The artwork “The Martyrdom of Saint Mark,” created by the Limbourg brothers, belongs to the International Gothic art movement and falls under the illustration genre. It serves as part of the series “Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry.” This illustration vividly portrays the martyrdom of Saint Mark with minute and painstaking detail characteristic of the International Gothic style.
In the artwork, Saint Mark is depicted in the foreground, dressed in an ornate ecclesiastical robe, kneeling and reaching out towards a figure who is observing from behind a structure, likely representing an altar or a shrine. Surrounding Saint Mark are several figures adorned in detailed and elaborate medieval attire, exhibiting expressions of aggression and determination. One of these figures is seen wielding a weapon, poised to strike Saint Mark, while another appears to restrain him with a rope. The backdrop showcases an intricately designed architectural setting with a series of arches, finely decorated columns, and the presence of medieval urban buildings, enriching the narrative with historical context and depth. The Limbourg brothers’ mastery in blending narrative and scenery is profoundly evident, encapsulating the dramatic moment of Saint Mark’s martyrdom with striking precision and emotional intensity.
