The Martyrdom of Saint Christopher, from "The Story of Saints James and Christopher in the Eremitani Chapel" 1776

Giovanni David created "The Martyrdom of Saint Christopher" in the late 18th century. As an Italian printmaker deeply embedded in the artistic and religious culture of his time, David depicts the execution of Saint Christopher through the detailed medium of etching. Considered through an intersectional lens, this work reflects the power dynamics inherent in religious martyrdom, where faith and identity intersect with violence and authority. David captures the moment of Christopher's death. The saint's body sprawls on the ground, surrounded by his executioners, while onlookers observe from a nearby balcony. The composition invites reflection on the spectacle of death and the narratives of sacrifice that underpin religious belief. This etching serves as a window into the complex interplay of faith, power, and identity during the 1700s, and prompts us to consider the stories we tell about those who challenge authority in the name of belief.