The martyrdom of St Simon of Trent 1480 - 1540

"The Martyrdom of St. Simon of Trent" is a woodcut by Hans Schäufelein, a German artist active in the early 16th century. This small-scale print depicts the gruesome murder of the young Simon, who was falsely accused of being a ritualistic sacrifice victim. Created between 1480 and 1540, this artwork reflects the anxieties of the time surrounding religious persecution and superstition. The scene, with its detailed depiction of the violence, is a powerful reminder of the tragic consequences of religious intolerance. Now housed in the Statens Museum for Kunst in Denmark, the woodcut highlights the stark reality of a historical event while offering a glimpse into the artistic style of the period.