Martelaarschap van de tienduizend (achtste deel) c. 1515 - 1520

"Martyrdom of the Ten Thousand (eighth part)" was created by Domenico Campagnola, sometime in the 16th century. In this scene Campagnola presents the viewer with a sea of soldiers and horses ready to follow orders. The landscape is filled with spears pointing upwards, reminiscent of pikes or bayonets. The subjects in the image are depicted with a striking lack of individuality or emotion, which might suggest an exploration of the dynamics of power, obedience, and the potential dehumanization inherent in the structures of authority. What are the consequences of blind faith? Campagnola invites us to reflect on the tension between individual agency and collective action, and the ways in which religious and political ideologies have been used to justify violence and oppression throughout history. The print encourages a deeper understanding of both the historical context in which the artwork was produced and the continuing relevance of its themes in contemporary society.