The Decapitation of a Male Saint 1686 - 1775

Carlo Innocenzo Carloni created this drawing, "The Decapitation of a Male Saint," using pen and brown ink with brown wash over graphite. The composition is dominated by dynamic lines and a monochromatic palette. The energy of the scene is palpable, drawing us into a narrative of martyrdom. Carloni's handling of space and form in this drawing reveals the influence of Baroque dynamism. The figures are arranged in a theatrical manner, which serves to heighten the emotional impact of the scene. This is not merely a depiction of violence, but a complex interplay of power, faith, and spectacle. The arches, the crowd, and the angels are all orchestrated to amplify the drama. The very structure of the drawing destabilizes the traditional portrayal of saints. Instead of a serene image of piety, we are confronted with a raw display of human brutality. This work challenges fixed meanings and opens up new ways of thinking about faith and sacrifice.