Artwork
The Martyrdom of Saint Lucy
The Martyrdom of Saint Lucy is a print by the Baroque artist Jacques Bellange. It dates from 1614 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Martyrdom of Saint Lucy is an etching by Jacques Bellange, a court painter from the Duchy of Lorraine, created around 1614. It is one of his prints from the final years of his life, characterized by dramatic religious themes and a Northern Mannerist style.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts the execution of Saint Lucy, a Christian martyr. The scene is crowded with figures reacting to the event, conveying a sense of turmoil and intense emotion. The saint is shown in the center, dressed in flowing robes, reaching upward.
Technique & Style
Bellange employed chiaroscuro, using deep shadows and bold contrasts to create a dramatic effect. The etching's thick, busy lines contribute to a sense of movement and chaos, drawing the viewer's eye through the crowded scene.
History & Provenance
The print is part of Bellange's late work, produced while he was working in Nancy for the Dukes of Lorraine. Most of his surviving prints date to this period, showcasing his distinctive Northern Mannerist style.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jacques Bellange (c. 1575–1616) was an artist and printmaker from the Duchy of Lorraine (then independent but now part of France) whose etchings and some drawings are his only securely identified works today. They are…
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