Martyrdom of a Female Saint
1701
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1701
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This painting depicts the dramatic martyrdom of a female saint. The saint stands at the center, surrounded by a group of people, some of whom appear to be in distress. In the background, a large building with a dome and columns is visible. A cherub hovers above the saint, while a man on horseback points towards her. The scene is rendered in a range of earth tones, with the saint's robes and the surrounding architecture detailed in brown ink and wash. The use of chiaroscuro and dramatic composition are characteristic of the Baroque style. To learn more about this artistic movement, explore the Baroque movement.
