Burning of Thousands of Christians by Emperor Maximus, AD 237 1685

Jan Luyken created this dramatic etching, "Burning of Thousands of Christians by Emperor Maximus, AD 237," using stark lines to convey a scene of chaos and destruction. The composition is divided, with the left side showing the emperor's forces and the right side dominated by towering flames engulfing buildings. This division creates a visual tension, highlighting the power dynamic between the persecutors and the persecuted. The etching's form emphasizes the overwhelming scale of the event. The figures, rendered with meticulous detail, are dwarfed by the inferno, underscoring their vulnerability. Luyken’s use of hatching and cross-hatching builds texture, adding depth to the smoke and fire, and creates a sense of palpable heat and terror. The contrast between the detailed figures and the abstract representation of fire draws attention to the symbolic nature of the event, emphasizing the clash between temporal power and spiritual conviction. The destruction of buildings, and human life, destabilizes any sense of order, challenging the viewer to confront the consequences of religious intolerance.