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Martyrdom of Saints Cosmas and Damian with their Three Brothers, part of an altarpiece

Unknown

1490

oil

panel

From the collection of Brooklyn Museum

Northern Renaissance Renaissance Religious

Dominant colour

Martyrdom of Saints Cosmas and Damian with their Three Brothers, part of an altarpiece is a 1490 oil by Unknown, a Northern Renaissance work, held at Brooklyn Museum.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1490 · Northern Renaissance
Where can I see it?: Brooklyn Museum

About this work

This painting depicts a dramatic scene of martyrdom, with six figures in the foreground. The central figure, dressed in a yellow robe with red accents, kneels on the ground, while another figure in a red shirt and blue pants stands over them, holding a sword. To the left, three men in red robes stand with their hands clasped together in prayer. In the background, a serene landscape unfolds, complete with rolling hills, trees, and a body of water. The overall atmosphere of the painting is one of solemnity and reverence. The use of chiaroscuro, a technique that emphasizes contrasts between light and dark, adds depth and emotion to the scene. For more information on this technique, explore the concept of chiaroscuro.