Who painted Martyrdom of a Saint?

Martyrdom of a Saint was painted by German 15th Century in 1480.

Where can I see Martyrdom of a Saint?

Martyrdom of a Saint is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Martyrdom of a Saint?

Martyrdom of a Saint is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Martyrdom of a Saint

German 15th Century , 1480

Martyrdom of a Saint is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1480 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The work is a hand‑colored woodcut titled *Martyrdom of a Saint*. Executed on paper, the image depicts a kneeling figure of a saint confronted by armed soldiers, their swords raised. A vivid spray of red blood spreads across the ground, while a halo behind the saint is highlighted with gold leaf. The piece employs a palette of red lake, green, yellow, blue, rose, gold and orange applied by hand.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on the saint’s martyrdom, emphasizing sacrifice through the stark contrast between the calm, kneeling figure and the threatening soldiers. The halo and gold background suggest sanctity, while the surrounding violence underscores the narrative of faith confronted by persecution.

Technique & Style

Woodcut printing allowed for relatively rapid production of multiple copies, yet each impression was individually hand‑colored. The artist brushed pigments onto the printed outline, using red lake for blood, green for the saint’s cloak, and gold leaf for the halo, creating a vivid, multi‑colored surface that retains its intensity after five centuries.

History & Provenance

The print dates from the early modern period, a time when hand‑colored woodcuts were popular for disseminating religious imagery. Its survival in such condition indicates careful preservation, though specific details of its ownership history are not recorded in the available information.

Context

During the era of its creation, woodcuts served both devotional and didactic purposes, reaching a broad audience beyond elite patrons. The vivid coloration and dramatic subject matter reflect contemporary tastes for emotionally charged religious scenes intended to inspire piety.

Legacy

The work exemplifies the intersection of print technology and painterly color, illustrating how artisans enhanced reproducible images with individualized hand‑coloring. Its enduring visual impact continues to inform studies of early modern religious printmaking and the material culture of devotional art.