The Martyrdom of Saint Erasmus

"The Martyrdom of Saint Erasmus" Flemish master from the late 17th century Oil on canvas 18th-century gilded frame Canvas cm. 75 x 57 frame cm. 85 x 67 Cleaning and relining carried out The painting depicts a sacred subject, one of the rarest and most impressive in antique painting, and refers to the story of Erasmus, Bishop of Formia, and his terrible martyrdom during the Diocletianic persecutions in 303 AD. The harrowing scene has been rendered by the artist with admirable force in a dramatic composition with lively colors. The famous work by Nicolas Poussin, dated 1628 and displayed in the Vatican Pinacoteca, contributed to spreading knowledge of this heinous episode. Poussin's interpretation of the cruel martyrdom, with the extreme torment of the Saint eviscerated by a winch, aroused the interest of artists of the time, some of whom reprised the scene. In this case, the Author of the painting describes the martyrdom in the typical manner of Flemish painting, preferring a setting inside a prison rather than outdoors, consistent with the unmistakable characteristics of Nordic art. The work presents a careful reading of all the details, from the instruments of torture to the colorful clothes of the executioners with their headdresses. The Emperor Diocletian, in a crimson red cloak, watches with satisfaction the terrible penalty inflicted by himself on the Saint, lying naked on a wooden table with his belly opened by a sword; his entrails are rolled onto the winch operated by one of the executioners. Excellent use of light and bright color on the figures, emphasized by the gloomy darkness of the cell illuminated only by a small window with bars. On the ground are the Bishop's clothes and miter, along with his Sacred Scriptures with torn pages. The canvas is painted with precision and excellent descriptive ability, evidenced by its excellent condition. We issue a stamped and signed certificate of authenticity that guarantees the era, provenance, and all the characteristics of the work, drawn up by an Antique Dealer affiliated with FIMA (ITALIAN FEDERATION OF ART MERCHANTS). Delivery in Italy and throughout Europe within 3 days of receiving the bank transfer. Shipping is tracked and insured and travels with careful shockproof packaging inside a custom-made wooden box. Link: https://www.antichitaischia.it/it/prodotto/-il-martirio-di-s--erasmo-