Het martelaarschap van de heilige Justina van Padua (bovenste helft) 1567 - 1602

Curator: This engraving, entitled *The Martyrdom of Saint Justina of Padua* (upper half), attributed to Agostino Carracci, dates sometime between 1567 and 1602. It is currently housed here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: Wow. My first impression? This feels like looking directly into a Baroque dream, or perhaps a slightly overwhelming, operatic crescendo of faith and martyrdom! Curator: Observe the intricate composition. The image is structured vertically, with the heavenly host arranged in tiers. Consider the symbolic weight of placement—saints, angels, and God are layered, each conveying degrees of holiness and divine proximity. Editor: It's interesting how Carracci handles the depth here, everything seems to be pushing forward. Angels spill out and even God the Father looks like he's about to fall into my lap. There's such a strange tension in the image, especially knowing the bottom half shows the martyrdom itself! Curator: Indeed. Carracci employs line and shadow to create a dramatic effect, very typical of the Baroque style. The textures feel almost tactile, from the voluminous robes to the feathery wings. This detailed treatment not only animates the figures, but amplifies the sense of heavenly glory and transcendent drama. Editor: It’s so rich and intense, almost over the top in its detailing. There’s a musicality, too, with the angels playing instruments. The whole composition feels like a swirling symphony. All of the faces too – some serene, others enraptured or even pained – reveal humanity amid the divinity. It makes it very personal somehow. Curator: Your observation is astute. It also suggests a profound emotional depth beyond the more obvious, surface level adoration. These stylistic choices were intended to elevate the soul, encouraging contemplation and strengthening faith in viewers. Editor: It definitely encourages a deep breath and quiet moment after seeing it. It's almost as if Carracci crammed as much heavenly drama as humanly possible into one print. What a vision. Curator: Precisely. It truly represents an intersection of faith, skill and era; showcasing both artistic and religious ideals for generations to come.