The Martyrdom of St. Erasmus 1506

Lucas Cranach the Elder's 1506 woodcut "The Martyrdom of St. Erasmus" depicts the gruesome death of the Christian saint. Erasmus, a 4th-century bishop, is shown being tortured with a windlass while surrounded by onlookers and his executioners. The composition is dramatic, with the saint's suffering emphasized through intricate detail and expressive figures. The scene is set against a background of a fortified city and a distant landscape, adding a sense of historical context. This artwork is a powerful example of the Northern Renaissance's interest in religious themes and human drama.