Bilder Jan Luyken (1649–1712) – The Martyrdom of Maeyken Wens – Engraving (1685)

Beskrivning

This engraving depicts the somber aftermath of the execution of Maeyken Wens, a Dutch Anabaptist martyr, in an urban square in Antwerp. The composition centers on a young boy, her son, who is shown kneeling and searching through the ashes of the pyre for the tongue screw that had been used to silence his mother before she was burned at the stake. Another child stands beside him in a gesture of grief, while in the background, a crowd of onlookers and the distinct Gothic spires of the city, including the Cathedral of Our Lady, provide a stark architectural context to the scene. The work utilizes a dramatic play of light and shadow to emphasize the emotional weight of the event and the physical remains of the execution site. This illustration was created for the Martyrs Mirror, a seminal book documenting the history of Christian martyrs, intended to serve as a visual testament to faith and endurance under persecution.

Jan Luyken was a prolific Dutch poet, artist, and engraver who became one of the most significant illustrators of the late seventeenth century. After a successful early career as a secular poet and artist, he underwent a religious conversion that deeply influenced his subsequent work, leading him to focus on spiritual and moral themes. He is best known for his extensive contributions to the Martyrs Mirror and his emblem books, such as Het Menselyk Bedryf, which depicted various crafts and trades with moralizing commentary. Luyken's style is characterized by its narrative clarity, expressive figures, and meticulous attention to contemporary detail. His vast output of thousands of engravings has left a lasting impact on Dutch visual culture and the history of religious illustration.

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.