The Martyrdom of Franciscan Friars in Nagasaki

Tanzio da Varallo (Antonio d’Enrico)

Download hi-res image TITLE The Martyrdom of Franciscan Friars in Nagasaki
AUTHOR Tanzio da Varallo (Antonio d’Enrico)
DATE After 1627
OBJECT TYPE AND MATERIAL Oil on canvas
DIMENSIONS cm 115 x 80
INVENTORY 440
Work Not On Display
ON LOAN 18th March 2023 > 30th July 2023 Exhibition: L'immagine sovrana. Urbano VIII e i BarberiniRome, Barberini Palace,

In 1627 Pope Urban VIII beatified 23 Franciscan missionaries crucified in Nagasaki in 1597. Tanzio sought inspiration for this painting, with its strong dramatic impact, in an engraving and an account by Spanish friar Marcelo de Ribadeneira entitled Life and Deeds of the Martyrs in Japan. The picture, which comes from Varallo where Tanzio was working on the Sacro Monte, testifies to his loyalty to the Lombard tradition while also revealing the influence of Caravaggio.