Artwork

The Christian Martyr

The Christian Martyr, by Paul Delaroche, oil, 1853
The Christian Martyr, by Paul Delaroche, oil, 1853

The Christian Martyr is an oil painting by the French Romanticist artist Paul Delaroche. It dates from 1853 and is held in the collection of the Walters Art Museum.

About this work

Overview

The Christian Martyr is a 1853 oil painting by Paul Delaroche, blending elements of Romanticism and Academicism.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a serene female martyr floating in water, dressed in a wet white gown, with a halo above her head, set against a dark, ominous landscape.

Technique & Style

Delaroche's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and contrast, drawing attention to the figure, while his detailed realism reflects the influences of Academicism and Neoclassicism.

Context

The work aligns with Romanticism's focus on dramatic human experience and Academicism's emphasis on technical precision, reflecting Delaroche's style of depicting emotionally intense historical scenes.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Paul Delaroche

Artist

Paul Delaroche

Hippolyte-Paul Delaroche (French pronunciation:; 17 July 1797 – 4 November 1856) was a French painter known for his depiction of scenes from English and French history.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Walters Art Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted The Christian Martyr?

The Christian Martyr was painted by Paul Delaroche in 1853.

Where can I see The Christian Martyr?

The Christian Martyr is held by Walters Art Museum.

What movement is The Christian Martyr?

The Christian Martyr is associated with French Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of The Christian Martyr?

Museum-quality prints of The Christian Martyr are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.