Martyrdom of the Ten Thousand 1508

Albrecht Dürer completed this oil painting, "Martyrdom of the Ten Thousand," sometime in the late 15th or early 16th century. Dürer's choice of oil paint on wood panel was revolutionary at the time. While traditional tempera had a matte finish, oil allowed for richer colors and a greater illusion of depth, creating an atmosphere of almost overwhelming chaos. Look closely, and you can see the careful layering of color to evoke the carnage and the dense forest. The application of paint contributes significantly to the painting's impact; Dürer painstakingly applied the pigment, building layer upon layer to create the effect you see. His ability to create a scene teeming with detail, such as the contorted bodies of the martyrs and the varied expressions of the executioners, demonstrates his virtuosity with the brush and the deep social commentary of the time. Dürer elevates painting to new heights with the use of these materials, demanding that we consider the social context and the sheer labor involved in creating such an enduring piece.