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The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence

Jacques Callot

1626

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Baroque Religious

Dominant colour

The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence is a 1626 ink by Jacques Callot, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Jacques Callot
When & what style?: 1626 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This etching shows a crowded scene of people around a fire. In the center, a man lies on a grill, his body stretched out while flames rise beneath him. Around him, others watch—some with hands raised, others pointing or turning away. Buildings loom in the background, and a bright light shines down from above. Notice how the artist used sharp lines to show both the pain of the moment and the chaos around it. The fire’s glow and the crowd’s reactions make the scene feel urgent. Next, learn more about the technique: etching.