Martyrdom of St Lawrence 1592 - 1668

Giulio Benso created this drawing, “Martyrdom of St. Lawrence,” using pen and brown ink with grey wash on paper. Born in Genoa, Italy, Benso was a prominent painter during the Baroque period, a time marked by religious and political turbulence. This sketch captures the gruesome scene of St. Lawrence’s martyrdom, a visceral depiction of religious persecution. The composition is dynamic, drawing us into the emotional intensity of the moment. We see the saint, arms raised, as he is burned alive on a grill. Around him, figures react with horror, fascination, and cruelty. This work reflects the complex relationship between power, religion, and identity during the Baroque era, inviting us to consider the cost of religious conviction and the spectacle of violence. The artist prompts us to reflect on the narratives that shape our understanding of history and faith.