H. Rufina en H. Seconda 1565 - 1630

Antonio Tempesta created this small engraving, H. Rufina en H. Seconda, as part of a series of Roman Catholic saints. During the late 16th and early 17th centuries, images of martyrdom were quite popular, particularly as the Catholic Church sought to reaffirm its authority amid the rise of Protestantism. Tempesta, working in Rome, found a ready audience for these dramatic, emotional scenes. Here, we witness the execution of Saint Rufina and Saint Seconda, sisters who were killed for their Christian faith. Note how the graphic nature of the violence is softened somewhat by the small scale and the decorative border. While the image depicts the moment of their martyrdom, the sisters are also framed as figures of strength and devotion. They chose death rather than renounce their beliefs. The image invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between faith, power, and gender during this turbulent period in European history. It serves as a reminder of the personal sacrifices made in the name of religious conviction.