The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence c. 1660

Jean Baptiste de Champaigne's "The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence" (c. 1660) depicts the Christian deacon Saint Lawrence being burned alive on a gridiron as a form of Roman execution. The painting captures the dramatic moment of Lawrence's martyrdom, showcasing the intense heat and pain through the flames engulfing the gridiron, and the contorted expressions of the saint and those around him. The scene is set in an indoor space with a large window overlooking a night sky with a moon, lending a dramatic and somber atmosphere to the painting. This Baroque-era artwork is a testament to the artist's mastery of light and shadow, creating a compelling scene that evokes a sense of both tragedy and faith.