Martelaarschap van Johannes de evangelist 1614

"Martyrdom of John the Evangelist" was etched by Johann Gelle around the early 17th century. It portrays a saint's martyrdom during a period of religious conflict and reformation in Europe. Gelle creates an image of brutality, where John is submerged in boiling oil; his vulnerability is pronounced amidst the machismo of his tormentors. This depiction must be understood within the context of the Counter-Reformation, where martyrdom served as a powerful symbol of faith and resistance against perceived heretics. It invites reflection on religious persecution and the cost of bearing witness to one's beliefs. This work evokes questions about identity, faith, and power; it serves as a reminder of the human capacity for both cruelty and devotion. It encourages us to confront uncomfortable truths about the past and consider their implications for the present.