Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence 1520 - 1525

Marcantonio Raimondi made this engraving, The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence, sometime in the early 16th century. It depicts the saint's execution for defying Roman authorities. The image’s meaning is created through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. Made in Italy, at a time when the Catholic Church exerted immense influence, the print reflects this power through its subject matter. The story of Saint Lawrence was an allegory for faithfulness and the ultimate sacrifice. The print also evokes the humanist ideals of the Renaissance, particularly in its classical architectural setting and the idealized human forms reminiscent of ancient sculpture. Art historians can trace the print's cultural impact through sources such as period documents, theological texts, and inventories of collections. The role of the historian is to uncover the social and institutional contexts that shaped not only its creation but also its interpretation over the centuries. Art’s meaning always depends on its context.