Bilder Jan Luyken (1649–1712) – The Martyrdom of Johannes Kneussl – Engraving (1685)

Beskrivning

This engraving depicts the public humiliation and execution of Johannes Kneussl, a merchant from Leonberg, in the city of Bordeaux. The composition centers on the martyr being led through a crowded urban square, seated backwards on a donkey as a sign of disgrace, while an official standing before him gestures toward the gathered public. To the right, a large group of spectators is shown observing the procession from a raised stone platform, and the background features the complex, fortified architecture of the French city. The scene captures the moment preceding his final execution, emphasizing the social isolation and public shaming used against religious dissidents. This illustration was created for the Martyrs Mirror, intended to serve as a visual record of the trials faced by Anabaptists and to provide a meditation on steadfastness in the face of civil and religious opposition.

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.