The Martyrdom of St. Symphorian 1834

"The Martyrdom of Saint Symphorian" (1834), a large-scale painting by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, depicts the dramatic moment of the Christian saint's execution. The painting, now residing in the Cathédrale Saint-Lazare d'Autun in France, is a powerful and moving portrayal of faith and sacrifice. Ingres employs a Neoclassical style with clear outlines and precise forms, emphasizing the solemnity of the scene. The central figure of Saint Symphorian, clad in a simple white tunic, stands defiant against his persecutors, his arms raised in prayer. The composition is richly detailed, showcasing a diverse crowd of onlookers and soldiers, all rendered with exquisite precision, making this work a prime example of Ingres's mastery of line and form.