Ein Märtyrer, Herz und Palmzweig in den Händen haltend 

Jacopo Ligozzi created this drawing of a martyr holding a heart and palm branch sometime between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The artwork reflects the religious and cultural milieu of the Counter-Reformation, a period marked by intense spiritual fervor and the veneration of saints and martyrs. During this era, martyrdom was a potent symbol of faith and resistance against perceived heresy. Ligozzi’s choice to depict the martyr with a heart and palm branch—symbols of love and victory—infuses the figure with both emotional depth and triumph. Consider the historical narratives that inform our understanding of martyrdom. Often, the stories of female martyrs are marginalized or overlooked. Ligozzi’s portrayal invites us to contemplate the experiences of those who suffered for their beliefs, challenging conventional representations and underscoring the need for diverse perspectives. Ultimately, this drawing serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between faith, identity, and power.