Bilder Jan Luyken (1649–1712) – The Burning of Leonhard Keyser – Engraving (1685)

Beskrivning

This historical illustration depicts the execution of Leonhard Keyser, an Anabaptist minister who was burned at the stake for heresy in 1527. The composition features a central figure on horseback, seen from behind, who observes the grim proceedings alongside a crowd of soldiers and spectators. To the right, a large pyre consumes the martyr, with thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky, while a group of monks and officials in the foreground appear to oversee the cart and the logistics of the public execution. The work serves as a powerful visual narrative of religious persecution during the Reformation, emphasizing the stark contrast between the lone victim and the organized force of the authorities.

Jan Luyken was a prolific Dutch poet, illustrator, and engraver active during the late 17th century. While he began his career producing secular and often erotic imagery, a profound religious conversion led him to devote his later work to spiritual and moral themes. He is best known for his monumental contributions to the Martyrs Mirror, a seminal work documenting the history of Christian martyrs, and his detailed depictions of various trades in Het Menselyk Bedryf. Luyken's style is characterized by its meticulous linework and ability to manage complex, multi-figure scenes with dramatic clarity, making him one of the most influential printmakers of the Dutch Golden Age.

Artist or Maker:
Jan Luyken

Dimensions:
Approximately 22 cm x 16 cm

Medium:
Engraving

Date:
1685

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.