Martelwerktuigen 1565 - 1630

"Martelwerktuigen" is an etching by Italian artist Antonio Tempesta (1555-1630) which depicts a collection of various medieval torture devices. The artwork is a testament to Tempesta’s interest in the macabre and serves as a reminder of the brutal realities of justice in the past. The composition is complex and detailed, with the various implements arranged in a seemingly haphazard manner. The use of hatching and cross-hatching creates a sense of depth and texture, while the overall tone is dark and brooding. The etching is held in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.