Het martelaarschap van de heilige Justina van Padua (onderste helft) after 1582

This anonymous engraving depicts the martyrdom of Saint Justina of Padua. Note the executioner, poised with his sword, and Saint Justina kneeling, awaiting her fate. The presence of a dog, leashed and observing the scene, is particularly striking. Dogs have a rich tapestry of symbolic associations. Throughout the ages, they have been viewed as emblems of fidelity, vigilance, and guidance. We find canine companions in ancient Egyptian tombs, often linked to Anubis, guardian of the afterlife, and loyal dog companions appear frequently in Renaissance portraiture, embodying marital fidelity. But here, amidst the martyrdom of Justina, the dog also evokes something primal. The dog in this image is not only a witness but perhaps also a symbol of untamed instinct, a silent observer of human drama. Its presence brings to mind the complex interplay of faith, sacrifice, and the raw, unfiltered aspects of human existence. The martyrdom becomes not just a religious event, but a profound exploration of the human condition, resonating across time and culture.