The Martyrdom of Saint Andrew
1675 Museo del Prado
About this artwork
This large-scale oil painting depicts the final moments of Saint Andrew tied to an X-shaped cross, surrounded by Roman soldiers and spectators. It is a quintessential example of Spanish Baroque religious art, focusing on dramatic emotion and divine light.
Did you know?
Murillo was renowned for his ability to blend idealized religious figures with gritty, realistic details from everyday life. This particular scene depicts the saint tied to a 'decussate' cross, now commonly known as St. Andrew's Cross, which is a key symbol in Christian iconography and appears on various flags, such as the Scottish Saltire.
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The Martyrdom of Saint Andrew
Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, 1675
