Foltering: hangen tussen gespannen bomen en spijkers onder de nagels 1565 - 1630

This etching, created between 1565 and 1630 by Italian artist Antonio Tempesta, depicts the gruesome torture of Saint Erasmus. Known for his detailed and dramatic representations, Tempesta captures the pain and suffering inflicted upon the saint. The image shows Erasmus suspended upside down by his ankles, while a tormentor drives nails under his fingernails. The scene is set against a landscape with a ruined archway and two trees, emphasizing the isolation and cruelty of the event. This work highlights the artistic trends of the 16th and 17th centuries, where religious subjects often explored themes of martyrdom and the suffering of saints. The print, currently housed at the Rijksmuseum, offers a stark reminder of the brutality faced by early Christians.