Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew c. 17th century

Curator: Jusepe de Ribera, active in the first half of the 17th century, created this etching titled "Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew," which is now held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Oof, immediate reaction? A visual scream. That stark contrast, the raw energy—it's like looking at a charcoal drawing of a nightmare. Curator: Ribera, deeply influenced by Caravaggio, often depicted scenes of suffering with unflinching realism. The print demonstrates a fascination with the physical body. Editor: Right, that body—writhing, strained. The executioner's face, though, is what really gets me; it's so banal, so devoid of feeling. Is that the point? Curator: Perhaps. Such depictions served a didactic purpose, intended to inspire piety and emphasize the saint’s suffering within the context of Counter-Reformation art. Editor: You know, looking at it now, the horror is undeniable, but there's also, strangely, a weird beauty. It is definitely a disturbing sort of beauty though! Curator: Indeed. Ribera's work remains a powerful meditation on pain, faith, and the spectacle of violence within the turbulent religious and political landscape. Editor: Well, I’m officially spooked, but also weirdly captivated. Time for something lighter, maybe some flower paintings?