Three Scenes of the Assassination of Clerics 1585 - 1639

Augustin Braun’s “Three Scenes of the Assassination of Clerics” is a pen and brown ink drawing made in the early 17th century. Created during the tumultuous period of the Counter-Reformation, this work reflects the religious and political tensions of its time. Braun captures scenes of violence against clerics set within an imposing architectural space, likely intended to evoke a sense of horror and moral outrage. What does it mean to see these brutal events, which certainly occurred, rendered here with such precision? The detailed rendering of the clerics, both in their suffering and their piety, invites reflection on the themes of faith, persecution, and martyrdom. Braun’s choice to depict these scenes might reflect his personal sympathies or the broader cultural anxieties surrounding religious conflict. It serves as a reminder of the human cost of ideological clashes, urging viewers to consider the legacies of violence and the complex relationship between power, religion, and identity.