The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence (Titian) facts for kids

The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence is a famous painting created by the Italian artist Titian around 1558. This artwork shows a dramatic moment from the life of Saint Lawrence. You can find this large painting in the church of I Gesuiti in Venice, Italy.

The painting was so impressive that Philip II of Spain, a powerful king, asked Titian to paint a second version. This second painting was made in 1567 for a big church called the basilica at El Escorial in Spain.

What is The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence?

This painting tells a story from Christian history. A "martyrdom" is when someone suffers or dies for their beliefs. Saint Lawrence was an early Christian who was killed for his faith. Titian's painting captures this intense and important event.

Who Was Saint Lawrence?

Saint Lawrence was a deacon in the early Christian church in Rome. This means he helped the church leaders and looked after the poor. During a time when Christians were being persecuted, he was ordered to hand over the church's treasures. Instead, he showed the poor and sick people, saying they were the true treasures of the church. Because of this, he was sentenced to death.

What Does the Painting Show?

Titian's painting shows Saint Lawrence being burned on a grill. The scene is very dramatic and full of emotion. You can see soldiers and other figures around him. Titian used light and shadow in a special way to make the painting feel powerful and intense. The light seems to come from different sources, highlighting the figures and the suffering of Saint Lawrence.

Who Painted This Masterpiece?

The artist, Titian, was one of the greatest painters of the Renaissance. He lived in Venice, Italy, and was known for his amazing use of color and light. Titian painted many famous portraits, religious scenes, and mythological stories. His works are still admired around the world today.

Where Can You See This Painting?

The original painting from 1558 is located in the church of I Gesuiti in Venice, Italy. This church is also known as the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. If you visit Venice, you can see this incredible artwork in person. The second version, painted in 1567, is in the El Escorial monastery in Spain.

Images for kids

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  A robot for kids, linking to a Spanish Kiddle article.

See also

• List of works by Titian
• In Spanish: El martirio de san Lorenzo (Tiziano) para niños