Who painted The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence?

The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence was painted by Italian 16th Century in 1501.

Where can I see The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence?

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

What movement is The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence?

The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence

Italian 16th Century , 1501

The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence is an ink drawing by the Renaissance artist Italian 16th Century. It dates from 1501 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

The painting is called The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence.
It was made by an Italian artist in the 16th century.
The artist used pen, brown ink, and gray-brown wash on gray-blue paper to create this work.
This technique allowed for detailed drawings with varying shades of color.
You can learn more about this style at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Overview

The work titled The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence is a 16th‑century Italian drawing. Executed on gray‑blue paper, it records the violent death of the early Christian deacon through a compact, monochromatic composition that emphasizes narrative over decorative detail.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts the legendary martyrdom of Saint Lawrence, who, according to tradition, was roasted on a gridiron for refusing to surrender the Church’s treasures. The drawing captures the moment of suffering, underscoring themes of faith, sacrifice, and the triumph of spiritual wealth over material loss.

Technique & Style

The artist employed pen lines rendered in brown ink, complemented by a gray‑brown wash that creates a range of tonal values. Highlights of white pigment lift portions of the surface, while the underlying gray‑blue paper adds a subtle cool undertone. This combination allows for fine detail and a nuanced gradation of light and shadow.

History & Provenance

Created in the 1500s by an unidentified Italian hand, the drawing is known through museum records that list it among works illustrating Renaissance devotional subjects. Its current location and ownership are documented by the National Gallery of Art in Washington, which references the piece in its collection of pen and wash drawings.