BARTHOLOMÄUS BREENBERGH
The Martyrdom of St. Lawrence
1647
Oil on canvas
Inv. No. 621
86.8 × 102 cm
Breenbergh lived in Rome from 1619 and 1633. This later composition, executed in Amsterdam, clearly exhibits the influence of the impressions received in Italy: the artist used architectural set-pieces to create an imaginary view of ancient Rome, complete with the effect of spatial depth and the dome of St. Peter’s, though the latter was an anachronism. In his choice of motifs he was inspired by Titian as well as Adam Elsheimer; Michelangelo and the study of ancient sculpture have likewise left a visible mark. Breenbergh’s demonstrated his skill here by combining a wide range of influences in a highly original harmonious compositional whole.


