Martelaarschap van de heilige Justina van Antiochië

This is Battista Angolo del Moro’s “Martyrdom of Saint Justina of Antioch”, made around the mid-16th century. This print presents a complex interplay of lines that define form and space. Note how the composition is structured around a central platform, visually dividing the earthly and divine realms. The scene is rendered with detailed linear work, creating depth and texture through hatching and cross-hatching. Observe how this technique models the figures and their garments, providing a sense of volume despite the monochromatic palette. The architecture and the natural elements – the tree and clouds – frame the central action, enhancing the dramatic tension. Del Moro employs a semiotic system where gestures and expressions convey complex emotions and moral positions. The angel descending with a wreath symbolizes divine intervention and validation of Justina’s faith. The visual structure reflects a broader cultural discourse on faith, sacrifice, and the power of religious conviction. The use of line and form challenges the viewer to consider the ideological underpinnings of martyrdom.