Saint Lawrence at the Stake (ca. 1621–1750)
Original title: Saint Lawrence at the Stake
kurzbeschreibung
This engraving, made between 1621 and 1750, presents the martyrdom of Saint Lawrence. The artist remains unknown, and the impression itself is not described in detail; the sheet measures 38.5 × 27.4 cm.
Description
Lawrence hangs on a wooden frame, barefoot and in simple clothing, while soldiers surround him. From the upper right corner an angel floats near with a bowl; lower down, a seated figure looks on. The layout pulls in many directions, and the figures are captured in various poses and actions. Fine hatching and dense linework model muscles and flesh, all in black and white.
Context
Because this is an anonymous copy, the print can only be dated approximately. The motif of Lawrence's martyrdom appears often in Catholic Baroque art. Such prints were frequently intended for private devotion and helped spread saints' legends.
Impact
The Baroque drama and wealth of detail strike the viewer directly. The arrangement brings the saint's torment and the angel's heavenly appearance into focus, giving the martyrdom its spiritual meaning.
Technique
The sheet was produced as an engraving: lines are cut into a metal plate and then printed onto paper. The black and white comes from varying density and direction of lines, which work out shadow and light.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)