Martyrdom of Saint Apollonia, detail 1456

This detail from Jean Fouquet's "Martyrdom of Saint Apollonia" (1456) depicts the moment of the saint's execution. The scene is filled with drama and tension, as men pull ropes attached to Apollonia's bound limbs. A figure in a blue robe reads from a book, possibly a prayer for the saint, while onlookers, including a figure holding a scepter, watch intently. Fouquet's masterful use of detail and light brings this medieval story to life. His depiction of the saint's suffering resonates with viewers, highlighting the brutal reality of persecution in the 15th century.