Kruisiging van Andreas 1645 - 1695

This is Alexander Voet the Younger's "Crucifixion of Andrew," an engraving made in the Netherlands during the second half of the 17th century. The image depicts the martyrdom of Saint Andrew, a disciple of Jesus, who, according to tradition, was crucified on an X-shaped cross. This act is rendered with dramatic flair, typical of the Baroque period. What does it mean to depict a saint's death with such theatricality? Is it reverence, or spectacle? The composition focuses on Andrew's suffering, but also on the emotional responses of those witnessing the event. In Voet's time, the representation of religious subjects was often used to convey moral lessons and reinforce religious doctrine. How does the portrayal of the Roman soldier on horseback—an agent of the state—complicate the narrative of religious piety and resistance? Consider the role of martyrdom as a challenge to earthly power, one that continues to resonate across centuries.