The artwork titled “The Martyrdom of St Agatha” was created by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo in the year 1750. Executed in oil on canvas, this piece belongs to the Rococo art movement. The dimensions of the artwork are 184 x 131 cm, and it is classified as a religious painting.
“The Martyrdom of St Agatha” depicts a poignant moment of Christian martyrdom. Central to the composition is the figure of St Agatha, presented in a state of profound suffering and resignation, her head tilted upwards in a gesture that suggests both agony and divine supplication. She is surrounded by attendants, one who appears to be comforting her while another seems to be preparing for her impending torment. The dramatic play of light and shadow, characteristic of Tiepolo’s work, illuminates St Agatha’s pale skin and highlighted drapery, contrasting with the dark, shadowed figures of the oppressors. The grand architectural setting in the background, with its columns and ruins, underscores the gravity and historical significance of the scene. The artwork’s composition and color palette, with its blend of soft pastels and stark contrasts, vividly capture the emotional and spiritual intensity of St Agatha’s martyrdom.
