Death of Saint Peter Martyr c. 1585 - 1600

Denijs Calvaert created this drawing, "Death of Saint Peter Martyr," in the late 16th or early 17th century. The work encapsulates the religious fervor and violence of its time, reflecting the deep social divisions during the Counter-Reformation. The drawing depicts the assassination of Saint Peter Martyr, a Dominican friar murdered for his faith. Note how the violence of the scene is contrasted with the appearance of the Virgin Mary, holding the Christ Child, and attended by saints. The drawing stages the earthly brutality alongside divine comfort. Calvaert’s choice to depict this scene speaks to the period's emphasis on martyrdom as a powerful affirmation of religious belief. Consider how the artist uses line and composition to draw the viewer's eye, creating an emotional experience that aimed to inspire devotion and reinforce the power of the Catholic Church amidst religious conflict. The image makes visible the intersection of faith, power, and violence that shaped the cultural landscape of the time.