Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence 

Pietro da Cortona's "Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence" depicts the moment of the saint's execution. The central figure, Saint Lawrence, is being tortured on a gridiron, with a dramatic and expressive pose. The surrounding figures, including Roman soldiers and a figure of an angel, contribute to the overall sense of dynamism and theatricality. This work showcases Cortona's mastery of Baroque style, characterized by strong contrasts of light and shadow, dynamic composition, and emotional intensity. The painting was likely commissioned as an altarpiece, intended to inspire devotion and contemplation in viewers.