Foltering met wiel met scherpe punten en vlammen 1565 - 1630

Antonio Tempesta created this print, "Foltering met wiel met scherpe punten en vlammen", sometime between 1555 and 1630. It depicts the martyrdom of a saint, being tortured on a spiked wheel amidst a landscape of classical architecture. This image functions as a potent symbol, reflecting the religious conflicts and political upheavals of early modern Europe. Executions like this one were very common and designed to terrify the public. Look at the passivity of the saint who is accepting his fate. See how his body contrasts with the active stance of the executioners. The artist captures the complex relationship between victim and oppressor. This print invites us to reflect on the darker aspects of human history and the power dynamics that shape acts of violence. It serves as a reminder of the human capacity for cruelty, while also pointing to the resilience of those who suffer for their beliefs.