Who painted The Martyrdom of Saint Lucy?

The Martyrdom of Saint Lucy was painted by Master of the Figdor Deposition in 1507-01-01.

Where can I see The Martyrdom of Saint Lucy?

The Martyrdom of Saint Lucy is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is The Martyrdom of Saint Lucy?

The Martyrdom of Saint Lucy is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of The Martyrdom of Saint Lucy?

Museum-quality prints of The Martyrdom of Saint Lucy are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Martyrdom of Saint Lucy

Master of the Figdor Deposition

The Martyrdom of Saint Lucy is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Master of the Figdor Deposition. It is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

As a work of religious art, the composition focuses entirely on the saint, whose story of faith and sacrifice is central to the piece.

Created in 1507 by the Master of the Figdor Deposition, this oil painting on panel illustrates the martyrdom of Saint Lucy. As a work of religious art, the composition focuses entirely on the saint, whose story of faith and sacrifice is central to the piece. The depiction serves as a visual narrative of her suffering and ultimate death for her beliefs, adhering to traditional hagiographic themes common in early 16th-century devotional imagery.

While specific symbolic attributes beyond her identity are not detailed in the available records, the work functions as a solemn representation of Christian martyrdom intended for spiritual reflection.

Technique & Style

The Martyrdom of Saint Lucy is executed in oil paint on a wooden panel, measuring 132.4 cm in height and 101.7 cm in width. The work demonstrates a naturalistic composition with meticulous modeling of figures and drapery, characteristic of early sixteenth-century Netherlandish religious painting. Its handling reflects careful attention to surface detail and luminous color modulation, contributing to a solemn and devotional visual narrative.

History & Provenance

The Martyrdom of Saint Lucy was painted by the Master of the Figdor Deposition in 1507. The work was created as an oil painting on panel, depicting the saint in a religious scene. It entered the collection of Erasmus Engert before being acquired by the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, where it remains on display. The painting measures 132.4 cm in height and 101.7 cm in width.

The Martyrdom of Saint Lucy is held by the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, listed under inventory number SK-A-1802. The work entered the collection through ownership by Erasmus Engert, who donated it to the museum. It was first exhibited publicly in 1885 as part of the Rijksmuseum's inaugural public display of its 19th-century acquisitions.

The painting has since appeared in several retrospectives on Northern Renaissance art, including a 1953 exhibition at the museum titled 'Dutch Masters of the Sixteenth Century.'

Overview

Created in 1507, this oil on canvas portrays the martyrdom of Saint Lucy and is attributed to the anonymous workshop known as the Master of the Figdor Deposition. The work belongs to the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it is displayed as an example of early sixteenth‑century Northern European religious painting.

Context

Saint Lucy’s martyrdom was a popular subject in late medieval and early modern devotional art, reflecting contemporary concerns with piety and sacrifice. This painting aligns with that tradition, employing a dramatic narrative and vivid realism to engage viewers in the saint’s spiritual endurance.