Artwork
The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence
The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Valentin de Boulogne. It dates from 1622 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1622 by French-Italian Baroque painter Valentin de Boulogne, *The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence* is an oil painting depicting the brutal execution of the saint. Characterized by intense dramatic lighting, the work exemplifies the tenebrist style.
Subject & Meaning
The painting graphically illustrates the legend of Saint Lawrence's martyrdom on a gridiron. Surrounded by a mixture of indifferent and taunting onlookers, the saint's suffering is central, underscored by the contrast between his plight and the reactions of the crowd.
Technique & Style
De Boulogne utilized strong chiaroscuro, a hallmark of tenebrism, to amplify the scene's drama. Deep shadows and selective illumination create tension, focusing attention on Saint Lawrence while imbuing the background with ominous darkness.
History & Provenance
Part of the early 17th-century Italian Baroque movement, the painting is now housed in the Museo del Prado's collection.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Valentin de Boulogne (before 3 January 1591 – 19 August 1632), sometimes referred to as Le Valentin, was a French painter in the tenebrist style.
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