Martelaarschap van de tienduizend c. 1515 - 1520

Domenico Campagnola’s drawing, Martelaarschap van de tienduizend, lives at the Rijksmuseum. Made in the 16th century, this complex drawing invites us to reflect on themes of faith, persecution, and collective identity in the context of the religious and political tensions of the Renaissance. The artwork depicts a mass execution, a scene that resonates with the period's religious conflicts and the persecution of minority groups. Consider how the artist portrays the act of martyrdom. Is it a depiction of suffering, or is it a statement of resistance? The sheer number of figures involved prompts us to think about the individual versus the collective experience of faith and persecution. The drawing's detailed landscapes serve as a backdrop to the unfolding drama, underscoring the connection between place, identity, and historical memory. What does it mean to witness such a scene today, and how do historical depictions of violence shape our understanding of contemporary conflicts and struggles for justice?