The Martyrdom of Franciscan Friars in Nagasaki
Technical Details
-
Title
The Martyrdom of Franciscan Friars in Nagasaki -
Author
Tanzio da Varallo (Antonio d’Enrico) -
Year
After 1627 -
Dimensions
cm 115 x 80 -
Inventory
440
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.
