Apostle Bartholomew Skinned Alive and Beheaded, Armenia, AD 70 1685

This etching by Jan Luyken, "Apostle Bartholomew Skinned Alive and Beheaded," depicts the brutal martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. The artwork was created in 1685, showcasing the graphic details of the saint's death. The scene shows Bartholomew tied to a cross, being flayed alive while a crowd watches in the background. Luyken uses strong lines and detail to create a sense of horror and pain, highlighting the suffering of the saint and the barbarity of his execution. This print, created as part of a larger series, exemplifies the artistic style of the 17th century, where religious themes and historical narratives were popular subjects for artists.