1551
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Martyrdom of Saint John the Evangelist is a 1551 ink by Jean Duvet, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving is packed with dramatic action. In the center, a shirtless man lies on a kind of altar while another figure hammers a nail into his side. Around them, soldiers in armor and a crowd of people watch, some looking shocked, others calm. The background has grand buildings and a throne, with more figures climbing stairs or kneeling. The artist used tiny lines to build up shadows and textures—notice how the muscles and armor look almost three-dimensional. The scene is messy but controlled, with lots of movement and detail. Try looking up engraving to see how artists create depth with just ink and lines.
Jean Duvet (1485 – after 1562) was a French Renaissance goldsmith and engraver, now best known for his engravings.
See the richer artist page
