The Martyrdom of the Ten Thousand Christians 1491 - 1542

"The Martyrdom of the Ten Thousand Christians" is a drawing by Andrea Mantegna, completed sometime between 1491 and 1542. The drawing, currently housed in the Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK), depicts a scene of Christian persecution, likely referencing the martyrdom of the Ten Thousand Saints, a group of early Christian martyrs. The drawing is executed in pen and ink, with delicate hatching and cross-hatching that capture the intricate details of the figures and the architecture. Mantegna’s signature style, characterized by strong perspective and precise anatomical details, is evident in this work, which provides a glimpse into the creative process of this esteemed Renaissance artist.