Het martelaarschap van de Heilige Barbara 1512 - 1522

Hans Springinklee's "Het martelaarschap van de Heilige Barbara" (1512 - 1522), a woodcut print, depicts the martyrdom of Saint Barbara. The scene is set in a circular frame, with a haloed Barbara standing at the right. She is dressed in a long, flowing gown and holds a chalice. A bearded, crowned figure on the left, likely representing Barbara's father, appears to be dragging her towards the tower in the background. The intricate details of the figures' clothing and the dramatic scene highlight the artist's skilled use of woodcut techniques. This print offers a visual representation of a significant story in Christian iconography, with Barbara's steadfast faith in the face of persecution. The Rijksmuseum, where the print is located, houses a significant collection of Dutch art, including many examples of religious prints from the 16th century.