1485
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Martyrdom of Saint Erasmus is a 1485 ink by French 15th Century, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This image shows a crowded scene of people around a man being tortured. He’s tied to a wooden beam, his body twisted in pain, while others watch or react. The background has tall columns and a throne-like seat, with figures in fancy hats and robes. Notice how the artist used sharp lines and simple shapes to tell the story. The colors are flat and bright—pink, yellow, and gray—added by hand after the woodcut was printed. Want to learn more? Check out how woodcut works.
This artist hid their best work inside old travel trunks. They glued vivid woodcuts into the lids of wooden boxes meant to be carried on horseback, like secret postcards from God. If you’ve ever pried open a cracked lid…
See the richer artist pageYour cart is empty
Explore artworks →
