Artwork
The Martyrdom of Saint Apollonia
The Martyrdom of Saint Apollonia is an ink drawing by the Renaissance artist Jacopo Zucchi. It dates from 1566 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This drawing, created in 1566 by Jacopo Zucchi, is a representation of a dramatic religious scene executed in pen, brown ink, and wash with white highlights on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts the martyrdom of Saint Apollonia, a 3rd-century Christian saint invoked against tooth pain, showcasing a violent scene characteristic of the era's hagiographic narratives.
Technique & Style
Zucchi's use of elongated figures and a dramatic composition reflects the stylistic conventions of Mannerism, a style he was exposed to during his training in Giorgio Vasari's studio.
History & Provenance
Active in Florence and Rome, Zucchi worked on significant decorative projects, including those for Cardinal Ferdinando de’ Medici, indicating his involvement in major artistic endeavors of his time.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jacopo Zucchi (c. 1541– c. 1590) was a Florentine painter of the Mannerist style, active in Florence and Rome. His training began in the studio of Giorgio Vasari, and he participated in the decoration of the Studiolo…
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