Martelaarschap van de H. Bartholomeus 1650 - 1800

This engraving depicts the martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew, flayed alive for his faith. See how the artist emphasizes the brutal act, focusing on the torturer’s tools and the saint's exposed skin. The motif of flaying has ancient roots, appearing in myths and rituals across cultures, often symbolizing purification or transformation. Think of Marsyas, flayed by Apollo, a symbol of the triumph of reason over raw emotion. Here, it represents Bartholomew’s ultimate sacrifice, his literal stripping away of earthly existence to achieve spiritual transcendence. The saint's upward gaze and outstretched arms, bound yet defiant, echo the classical "orant" pose, a gesture of supplication and divine connection that we see across millennia. The emotional power lies in the tension between the physical horror and the spiritual ecstasy. Consider how such images, though disturbing, serve as potent reminders of faith, resilience, and the enduring human capacity for both cruelty and profound devotion. The image of flaying continues to resurface, evolving, carrying complex layers of meaning across time.