Two altarpiece wings with the Martyrdom of the Apostles after 1435

These two altarpiece wings depicting the Martyrdom of the Apostles were created by Stefan Lochner, likely in the mid-15th century, using oil on wood. Here, we see a series of small, framed scenes laid out grid-like across two panels. Lochner employs rich colors and meticulously detailed figures, set against a radiant gold background. This creates a visually captivating yet somewhat unsettling effect, as the brutality of the martyrdoms contrasts sharply with the decorative beauty of the composition. Each scene is self-contained, with its own distinct narrative, yet they are united by the consistent use of color and the overall flatness of the space. The artist’s careful attention to detail and symmetry creates a sense of order. However, this is juxtaposed with the violent subject matter, introducing a level of tension and emotional complexity. Ultimately, the aesthetic experience here transcends the sum of its narrative parts. We find a meditation on beauty, violence, order, and chaos.