Artwork
Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence
Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Hans Baldung Grien. It dates from 1505 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence is a woodcut created by Hans Baldung Grien in 1505, exemplifying his skill in printmaking during the German Renaissance.
Subject & Meaning
The woodcut depicts the torture of Saint Lawrence, who lies on a grill as men surround him, wielding instruments of torment. The scene conveys intense suffering and brutality, capturing the saint's martyrdom in a vivid and disturbing image.
Technique & Style
Baldung Grien's technical proficiency is evident in the intricate lines and textures that populate the woodcut, lending a sense of realism to the gruesome scene. As a student of Albrecht Dürer, Baldung Grien's work reflects the influence of his mentor's expressive and imaginative style.
History & Provenance
Created in 1505, the Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence is part of Baldung Grien's broader oeuvre, which encompasses a range of mediums, including woodcuts, altarpieces, and stained glass. The work showcases the artist's versatility within the visual arts of early 16th-century Germany.
Artist & collection
Artist
Hans Baldung (1484 or 1485 – September 1545), called Hans Baldung Grien, (being an early nickname, because of his predilection for the colour green), was a painter, printer, engraver, draftsman, and stained glass…
