Martyrdom of St Lawrence 1592 - 1668

"Martyrdom of St Lawrence" is a pen and ink drawing created between 1592 and 1668 by Italian artist Giulio Benso. The artwork depicts the death of Saint Lawrence, a 3rd-century deacon of the Catholic Church, who was executed by being roasted on a gridiron. Benso, known for his dramatic compositions, masterfully captures the scene with a multitude of figures, creating a sense of tension and urgency. This drawing, now housed in the Statens Museum for Kunst, provides a glimpse into the artist’s preparatory sketches and the development of his artistic style.