The Martyrdom of St. Erasmus
1480
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1480
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This painting shows a group of men watching a naked body stretched out on a table. The body has a long rod through it, and blood drips below. Above them, angels float in the sky, holding flowers and musical instruments. The men look serious, some holding staffs or books. The scene is packed with small details—tiny faces, strange symbols, and bright colors. The artist used sharp lines and bold colors to tell a dramatic story. If you like this kind of intense religious scene, look up Renaissance.
