St. Bartholomew
c. 1578
Hendrick Goltzius captures the gruesome martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew in this dramatic Mannerist engraving, likely part of a series on the Apostles. On the left, the saint stands stoic and majestic, clutching the flaying knife and book that became his symbols, while the background explodes into chaos as executioners strip the skin from his body. The Latin text at the bottom confirms the horror, describing how he felt the pain as his skin was removed from his entire body. It’s a stark, visceral contrast between holy calm and physical torture, showcasing Goltzius's incredible skill with line work even in his early career around 1578.
- Technique
- Engraving
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