Who painted The Martyrdom of Saint Andrew?

The Martyrdom of Saint Andrew was painted by Stefano Della Bella in 1637.

Where can I see The Martyrdom of Saint Andrew?

The Martyrdom of Saint Andrew is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Martyrdom of Saint Andrew?

The Martyrdom of Saint Andrew is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Martyrdom of Saint Andrew

Stefano Della Bella , 1637

The Martyrdom of Saint Andrew is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Stefano Della Bella. It dates from 1637 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Stefano della Bella’s 1637 drawing, *The Martyrdom of Saint Andrew*, is executed in pen and brown ink on laid paper. The work captures the moment of the saint’s execution on an X‑shaped cross, surrounded by a tumultuous crowd. Della Bella, an Italian draughtsman active in Florence, is noted for his prolific output of etchings and drawings across military, courtly, and genre subjects.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on Saint Andrew nailed to a diagonal cross, a traditional iconographic element of his martyrdom. Around the cross, figures react with alarm, flight, or shock, emphasizing the violent disruption of the sacred act. The scene conveys both the physical suffering of the saint and the chaotic human response to religious persecution.

Technique & Style

Rendered with swift, overlapping pen strokes, the drawing relies on line to suggest movement, fabric, and the crowd’s agitation. The brown ink on laid paper produces a muted tonal range, while the minimal background keeps attention on the central drama. Della Bella’s handling of line demonstrates his facility in conveying kinetic energy with economical means.

History & Provenance

Created during della Bella’s Florentine period, the work reflects his occasional forays into religious subject matter amid a career dominated by secular scenes. The drawing remains a testament to his versatility as a draughtsman, though its later ownership history is not extensively documented.

Artist & collection

Artist

Stefano Della Bella

Stefano della Bella (18 May 1610 – 12 July 1664) was an Italian draughtsman and printmaker known for etchings of a great variety of subjects, including military and court scenes, landscapes, and lively genre scenes.