Saint Lawrence at the Stake 1621 - 1750

This etching, "Saint Lawrence at the Stake", created by an anonymous artist between 1621 and 1750, depicts a scene from the martyrdom of Saint Lawrence. The scene depicts the saint tied to a gridiron over an open fire, while a Roman soldier uses tongs to toss wood onto the flames. Above, an angel floats down, offering comfort to the saint. The use of dramatic chiaroscuro emphasizes the agony of Saint Lawrence, while the expressive figures convey the religious fervor and violence of the event. This etching is a powerful example of religious art and the use of dramatic narrative in printmaking.