Artwork
The Martyrdom of Saint Philip
The Martyrdom of Saint Philip 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
The Martyrdom of Saint Philip is a drawing created by Stefano della Bella in 1637. It is executed in pen and brown ink on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a chaotic scene in which a man, likely Saint Philip, is being dragged towards a cross-like structure while others observe or brandish weapons. The subject is a representation of the saint's martyrdom, a common theme in Baroque art.
Technique & Style
The work is characterized by rapid, expressive lines and a monochromatic palette, relying on variations in light and dark to convey form and depth. The sketchy quality of the drawing suggests a sense of urgency and energy.
History & Provenance
Stefano della Bella, an Italian draughtsman and printmaker, produced this drawing during his lifetime (1610-1664), a period marked by his prolific output of etchings and drawings across various subjects.
Context
The Martyrdom of Saint Philip is a product of the Baroque period, an era that emphasized dramatic expression in religious narratives. Della Bella's work reflects this aesthetic, even as it diverges from his more typical subjects, such as military and court scenes.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
![The Flight into Egypt [verso], by Stefano Della Bella](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/stefano-della-bella--the-flight-into-egypt-verso--3a100db72e6d25e3-w320.webp)
![Sheet of Studies [recto and verso], by John Flaxman](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/john-flaxman--sheet-of-studies-recto-and-verso--6fd1500085ec614c-w320.webp)