Martyrdom of St. Laurence (after Rubens)

Artist Lucas Vorsterman (Flemish, 1578 - 1656)

Original Artist P.P. Rubens

Date1621

Place of ManufactureEurope

Mediumengraving Medium Remarks: black ink

DimensionsOverall (image; sheet: 42.3x31.0; plate mark: 39.8x29.1): 37.7 x 27.7 cm

ClassificationsFINE ART

Credit LineDr. Gustav and Marie Schilder Collection

Object number1972.278.001

Descriptionprint relates the following story: St. Laurence, archdeacon to Pope Sixtus II was executed on the orders of the prefect of Rome after, on Sixtus' instruction, he distributed the Church's treasure to the poor. The prefect demanded delivery of the treasure & Laurence gathered a crowd of poor & sick around him & told the prefect that these were the treasures of Rome. St. Laurence was then ordered to be executed by being slowly roasted on a gridiron. In the midst of his execution, he shouted at the prefect "I am roasted on one side. Now turn me over and eat."

Status

Not on view