Martyrdom of St John the Evangelist at Porta Latina 

Charles Le Brun painted this dramatic scene of ‘The Martyrdom of St John the Evangelist at Porta Latina’ during the height of the Baroque era. The era was characterized by grandeur and theatricality, often employed to reinforce religious and political authority. Here, John is subjected to the brutal violence of Roman persecution for his Christian beliefs. There is a stark contrast between John’s calm submission, almost serene, and the frenzy of activity around him. Angels descend with symbols of martyrdom, offering a divine perspective on earthly suffering. The muscular figures of the Roman soldiers emphasize power and control, yet they are mere instruments of a larger historical narrative about faith and resistance. Le Brun’s skillful composition and use of light and shadow invite viewers to reflect on themes of belief, sacrifice, and the complex relationship between power and spirituality. It asks us to consider how such images shape our understanding of identity.