The artwork titled “Martyrdom of Saint Ursula,” crafted by Caravaggio, dates back to 1610 and is executed with oil on canvas. This distinguished piece belongs to the Baroque movement and incorporates Tenebrism, a style marked by dramatic illumination and stark contrasts between light and shadow. Measuring 106 by 179.5 centimeters, this religious painting is presently housed in the Palazzo Zevallos Stigliano in Naples, Italy.
The artwork poignantly depicts the final moments of Saint Ursula’s life, capturing the intense emotion and divine resignation on her face as she accepts her fate. The somber and dark atmosphere is characteristic of Caravaggio’s masterful use of Tenebrism, with stark contrasts between light and shadow emphasizing the drama. Saint Ursula, dressed in a red robe, is positioned centrally, drawing the viewer’s eye towards her serene and somewhat resigned expression. Surrounding her are starkly lit figures, their faces revealing a mixture of determination and resignation. The interplay of light not only highlights the human emotions in this tragic scene but also underscores the brutality and sanctity of martyrdom, encapsulating the essence of religious painting during the Baroque period.
