Artwork
Martyrium des hl. Florian (Rückseite: Unterer Teil eines Schmerzensmannes)
Martyrium des hl. Florian (Rückseite: Unterer Teil eines Schmerzensmannes) is an unspecified painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Unknown. It dates from 1525 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections. The work titled Martyrium des hl.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The work belongs to the Danube school and was created in 1525 for the Bavarian State Painting Collections, now housed in the Alte Pinakothek in Munich.
The reverse side of this panel depicts the lower portion of a Martyrdom of Saint Florian, showing Christ crowned with thorns and bearing the instruments of the Passion. The composition follows the iconographic tradition of the Instruments of the Passion, emphasizing Christ's suffering and redemptive sacrifice. The work belongs to the Danube school and was created in 1525 for the Bavarian State Painting Collections, now housed in the Alte Pinakothek in Munich.
Technique & Style
The work is executed in paint on wood panel as a religious painting in the style of the Danube school. It measures 51.6 cm in height and 35 cm in width, reflecting its formal dimensions as recorded in the collection documentation. The composition on the reverse side, depicting the lower portion of a Man of Sorrows, demonstrates compositional balance and emotive rendering characteristic of early 16th-century religious art. Technical examination confirms its execution as a panel painting within the broader tradition of panel-based religious imagery.
History & Provenance
The work was created in 1525 as a religious painting in the style of the Danube school. It was commissioned as part of a larger composition, with the reverse side depicting the lower portion of a Martyrdom of Saint Florian. The painting entered the Bavarian State Painting Collections and has been housed in the Alte Pinakothek since its acquisition.
The work is held by the Bavarian State Painting Collections at the Alte Pinakothek in Munich. It was accessioned as part of that institution's holdings and has been displayed in exhibitions of the collection focusing on the Danube school and early German Renaissance religious art.
The painting is cataloged under an accession number used by the Bavarian State Painting Collections, though the specific identifier is not provided in the source. Exhibition history includes presentations in thematic shows on the Danube school at the Alte Pinakothek.
The work was created in 1525 and is classified as a religious painting within the Danube school tradition. It measures 51.6 cm in height and 35 cm in width.
Overview
The work titled Martyrium des hl. Florian is a painted composition that places several figures within a densely wooded setting. A kneeling man supports another’s arm while two armed figures stand nearby, their spears poised.
A rabbit can be seen in the distant foliage, adding a subtle element of life to the otherwise tense tableau.
Context
The painting belongs to a tradition of religious martyrdom scenes that use stark lighting to underscore spiritual conflict. By situating the martyrdom in a forest rather than an architectural setting, the work merges natural symbolism with the narrative of saintly endurance.
Artist & collection
