Martyrdom of Saint Ange, Carme 1729 - 1742

Curator: "Martyrdom of Saint Ange, Carme" is an undated drawing by A. Claude Philippe de Thubières comte de Caylus, currently in the Harvard Art Museums. It depicts a dramatic scene rendered in sepia tones. Editor: The first thing that strikes me is the chaotic composition, figures intermingling, creating a sense of intense activity and emotional turmoil. Curator: The artwork invites us to consider the role of religious martyrdom within broader power structures. Who is given a voice, and who is silenced through violence? The gazes of the figures are very telling. Editor: Indeed, and note the skillful use of wash to create depth and shadow, focusing our attention on the central figure of Saint Ange as he is struck down. Curator: We can see the artist engaging with discourses around faith, sacrifice, and persecution, which continue to resonate with contemporary conversations about social justice and resistance. Editor: Absolutely, and the formal elements reinforce this reading. The dynamism of the lines, the contrast of light and dark—it all contributes to a powerful statement about the nature of belief.