Artwork
The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence; (reverse) Giving Drink to the Thirsty
The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence; (reverse) Giving Drink to the Thirsty is an unspecified painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Master of the Acts of Mercy. It dates from 1465 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The imagery aligns with the broader tradition of depicting Saint Lawrence's death, reinforcing the narrative of his ultimate sacrifice for his faith.
The artwork depicts the martyrdom of Lawrence of Rome, a central figure in Christian hagiography known for his suffering. The primary subject focuses on the saint's execution, illustrating the physical agony and religious sacrifice associated with his legend. The composition emphasizes the themes of man and suffering, serving as a visual testament to the saint's endurance.
As a piece of religious art created in 1465, the work functions as a devotional object intended to inspire piety through the representation of this specific historical and spiritual event. The imagery aligns with the broader tradition of depicting Saint Lawrence's death, reinforcing the narrative of his ultimate sacrifice for his faith.
History & Provenance
The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence; (reverse) Giving Drink to the Thirsty is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The work belongs to the museum’s collection and was previously owned by Paul Lindpaintner; its precise inventory or accession number is not disclosed in the available records. The painting was created circa 1465 by the Master of the Acts of Mercy, a detail confirmed by both internal documentation and the Wikidata entry.
Exhibition history is not mentioned in the sources, indicating that no exhibition record is currently documented for this piece.
Overview
This religious painting, created in 1465 by the artist known as the Master of the Acts of Mercy, presents a dual narrative. The primary side depicts the dramatic 'Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence,' while its reverse features 'Giving Drink to the Thirsty.' This panel is currently part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, offering insight into 15th-century devotional art.
Technique & Style
The artist employs a detailed and vibrant palette to render the scene, characteristic of 15th-century painting. Figures are delineated with precision, their varied attire and headwear adding to the visual richness. Despite the colorful garments, the overall atmosphere is one of profound suffering, underscored by the saint's pained expression and the dark yellow background, which heightens the dramatic tension of the martyrdom.
Context
The dual nature of this panel suggests its original function, likely as part of a larger altarpiece or a devotional object meant to be viewed from both sides. The reverse image, 'Giving Drink to the Thirsty,' represents one of the traditional Seven Acts of Mercy. This juxtaposition of martyrdom and charitable action would have provided a moral and spiritual message to contemporary viewers, linking sacrifice with good works.
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Artist & collection
Artist
An unnamed 1400s painter of altarpiece scenes. One panel stages The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence in flames and sharp detail; its reverse, Giving Drink to the Thirsty, shows a quiet kindness in the same bold hand. Tap…
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Martyrdom of Saint Eulalia
Geißelung Christi
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