1530
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Martyrdom of Two Saints is a 1530 ink by Antonio da Trento, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This print is packed with action. Two men are being dragged away, one on the ground clutching a bundle, the other standing and reaching back. A crowd watches from steps and a balcony, some pointing, others looking shocked or angry. The scene is dark and dramatic, with deep shadows and bold outlines. Notice how the artist uses light and shadow to create depth—this is called *chiaroscuro*. The contrast makes the figures pop against the background. Want to see more of this technique? Look up woodcut.
Antonio da Trento (1508–1550) was an Italian printmaker, born in Trento. He specialized in chiaroscuro woodcuts, especially of religious subjects. Da Trento probably first learned wood engraving from Ugo da Carpi. He…
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