Foltering: verbranding op een rooster 1565 - 1630

Antonio Tempesta's etching depicts the gruesome scene of burning on a gridiron, a brutal form of torture. The gridiron itself, prominently displayed, is not merely an instrument of death; it is a potent symbol. Consider its ancient origins. The gridiron evokes images of early Christian martyrdoms, such as that of Saint Lawrence, who, according to legend, was roasted alive on one. Here, we see the perpetuation of such cruelty, rendered with stark realism. Reflect on the enduring power of such symbols. Across centuries, the gridiron reappears, each time carrying the weight of past suffering, a potent reminder of the depths of human cruelty. This collective memory seeps into our subconscious, shaping how we interpret these images, creating a visceral connection to the suffering depicted. The emotional impact of the image, deeply rooted in the subconscious, powerfully engages viewers. This symbol moves through time, an echo that resurfaces in various contexts, evolving and acquiring new layers of meaning.