Artwork
The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew
The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jusepe de Ribera. It dates from 1624 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Jusepe de Ribera’s print, *The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew*, was executed in 1624 as an etching on laid paper. The work belongs to Ribera’s mature period in Naples, where he was a central figure of the local Baroque movement. Rendered entirely in black ink, the image presents a graphic narrative of the saint’s execution, characteristic of the artist’s interest in visceral realism.
Subject & Meaning
The saint’s twisted body and exposed flesh convey extreme suffering, while the executioner, dressed plainly, holds a knife with resolute focus.
The composition portrays the Christian martyr Saint Bartholomew at the moment of his flaying. The saint’s twisted body and exposed flesh convey extreme suffering, while the executioner, dressed plainly, holds a knife with resolute focus. A small crowd of onlookers occupies the background, underscoring the public nature of the punishment and inviting contemplation of faith, sacrifice, and the brutal realities of early Christian persecution.
Technique & Style
Ribera employed the etching process to achieve a stark chiaroscuro effect, using bold, decisive lines and deep shadows that model the figures in three dimensions. The contrast between dense black areas and illuminated surfaces creates a dramatic tension typical of Baroque visual language. The texture of the laid paper adds a subtle grain that enhances the tactile impression of the scene’s violence.
History & Provenance
The print was produced in Naples, where Ribera spent most of his career after moving from Spain. It was likely issued as part of a series of religious prints intended for devotional use or private collection. Surviving copies have appeared in European collections since the 18th century, and the work now resides in several major museum print departments.
Context
Ribera’s *Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew* reflects the broader Baroque fascination with dramatic, emotionally charged religious subjects, aligning with contemporaries such as Zurbarán and Velázquez. The emphasis on physical torment and intense lighting mirrors Counter‑Reformation goals of evoking piety through vivid, affective imagery, while also showcasing Ribera’s skill in translating painterly concerns into the medium of print.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jusepe de Ribera (Valencian: ; baptised 17 February 1591 – 3 November 1652) was a Spanish painter and printmaker.
