H. Aurea 1565 - 1630

This etching by Antonio Tempesta, titled "H. Aurea," depicts a scene of brutal violence. The image depicts a man being stretched on a wooden rack, with two figures manipulating his limbs. In the background, a figure is nailed to a cross. The intricate design of the oval frame, which surrounds the scene, is characteristic of Tempesta's style. The engraving, dating from 1565-1630, is a stark reminder of the harsh realities of torture and execution, prevalent in the period. The artwork, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, is a powerful example of 16th-century Italian art, capturing the dark side of human history.