The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew
1624
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1624
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew is a 1624 ink by Jusepe de Ribera, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This print shows a man with a wild beard being lifted up by others while clutching a tree branch. Around him, a crowd of figures in loose robes watches, some holding sticks or pointing. The scene looks rough—rocks, tangled vines, and a stormy sky fill the background. The artist signed it in the corner, noting it was made in 1624 for a prince. The lines are sharp and detailed, typical of prints made with metal plates. Next, check out etching to see how this kind of print was made.
