Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 7

The Execution of Three Jesuit Martyrs in London in 1581, Published in ca.1680

About the Item

The engraving shows a scene of martyrdom involving members of the Jesuit Society. The text at the bottom reads: "P. EDMONDUS CAMPIANUS, ROBERTUS SHERWINUS, ende ALEXANDER BRIANTUS van de Societeyt Iesu worden te Londen voor het geloof gehanghen ende ghevierendeelt." Translation: "Father Edmund Campion, Robert Sherwin, and Alexander Briant of the Society of Jesus are hanged and quartered in London for their faith." This engraving depicts the execution of Edmund Campion, Robert Sherwin, and Alexander Briant, members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), who were executed in London. In the center, one of the Jesuit martyrs stands bound with a noose around his neck, about to be hanged from a wooden gallows. To the right, a partially dressed executioner is seen in the act of preparing to quarter one of the martyrs who has already been executed. Another friar kneels on the ground, his face turned towards the viewer, while a third figure appears to be tied to the gallows, ready to be executed. The emotional expressions of the Jesuits convey resignation and devotion to their faith, underscoring their willingness to suffer martyrdom rather than renounce their beliefs. The background of the engraving features dramatic skies with dark clouds, creating a somber, foreboding atmosphere, characteristic of Baroque art. The scene illustrates the infamous method of execution known as hanging, drawing, and quartering, which was used in England for those accused of high treason, particularly against the state and its established church. Probable Maker and Source: This engraving is likely from the late 17th century and may have been created by an artist such as Romeyn de Hooghe, who often illustrated politically charged and religious events. The print style and subject matter—Catholic martyrs in Protestant England—suggests it was part of a series or publication designed to highlight the persecution faced by Jesuits and other Catholic figures during the **English Reformation**. Edmund Campion, Robert Sherwin, and Alexander Briant were all prominent Jesuit figures who were executed in 1581 for their efforts to propagate Catholicism in England during a time of intense religious persecution under Queen Elizabeth I. Significance of the Engraving This engraving is significant for several reasons: 1. **Historical Context**: It illustrates the persecution faced by **Catholic missionaries** during the English Reformation. The Jesuits, in particular, were seen as a threat to the established Church of England due to their loyalty to the Pope and their missionary activities. 2. **Religious Symbolism**: The calm demeanor of the martyrs in the face of brutal execution underscores their deep religious faith and conviction. Such scenes were often used as **Catholic propaganda** to highlight the cruelty faced by those who refused to conform to Protestant doctrines. 3. **Artistic Value**: The engraving's detailed composition and emotional portrayal are typical of **Baroque art**, aiming to elicit a strong emotional response from the viewer. The use of light and shadow, as well as the dynamic movement of the figures, contributes to the dramatic impact of the scene. Medium: Copper engraving on laid paper Dimensions: Approximately 30 x 20 cm (image size) Condition: Good, with age-related toning, minor creases, and intact margins.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 11.42 in (29 cm)Width: 7.49 in (19 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Period:
    1680-1689
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1680
  • Condition:
    Condition: Good, with some age-related toning, small margins, and minor creases, or small chips missing especially in the right border. Please study the images carefully.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13894-61stDibs: LU3054342372812

More From This Seller

View All
Coppeer Engraving of Henry Garnet (1555–1606), Jesuit Priest and Martyr, ca.1670
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Portrait of Henry Garnet (1555–1606), Jesuit Priest and Martyr – 17th-Century Copper Engraving This fine copper engraving from around 1670 depicts Henry Garnet, a Jesuit prie...
Category

Antique 1670s Prints

Materials

Paper

Portrait of the Jesuit Willem 'Guilielmus' Cuperus, Published 1740
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print, titled: 'P. Guilielmus Cuperus (…)' - Portrait of the Jesuit Willem (Guilielmus) Cuperus (1686 - 1741). Source unknown, to be determined. Artists and Engravers: ...
Category

Antique 1740s Prints

Materials

Paper

The Execution of Doctor Reginaldus for Opposing Henry VIII's Reformation, c.1680
Located in Langweer, NL
The engraving depicts a historical execution scene, likely related to religious persecution. Below is a detailed description and analysis of the image and text: The text at the bott...
Category

Antique 1680s Prints

Materials

Paper

Habit of the Lady Mayoress of London in 1640, Published in 1757
Located in Langweer, NL
This is a hand-colored atnique print, this time depicting the "Habit of the Lady Mayoress of London, in 1640." It's a historical costume illustration showing the fashion of a high-ra...
Category

Antique 1750s Prints

Materials

Paper

Duke of Alva Planning the Atrocities Against the Dutch in 1567, Ca 1680
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled ‘Afbeeldinge van de Spaansche Bloedraad in den Jaare 1567 door den Hartog van Alva aangestelt’. The Duke of Alva and his entourage seated at a table planning the...
Category

Antique 17th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Detailed Map of the South of the The Netherlands & The North of Belgium, ca.1680
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique map titled 'Tabula Ducatus Brabantiae.' - Detailed map of the southern part of The Netherlands and the northern part of Belgium with Antwerp and Brussels. In the corner top l...
Category

Antique 1680s Maps

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Marc Chagall (1887-1985) The Martyr, 1970
By Marc Chagall
Located in CA, CA
Marc Chagall (1887-1985) The Martyr, 1970 Year: 1970 Published: Mourlot, Paris Sheet Size: H 75.6cm x W 59cm Edition: 50, this example 10/50 Literature: M. 618 Signature: Signed ...
Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Prints

Materials

Paper

19th Century Framed Engravings From The New Book Of Martyrs by Henry Southwell
Located in Lowestoft, GB
A collection of 11 framed and glazed engravings taken from the New Book Of Martyrs By Henry Southwell The 11 engravings show authentic and genuine historical account of the many dre...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Religious Items

Materials

Glass, Pine, Paper

Pair Italian Neoclassic Hand Colored Engravings, Venezia, Published London, 1818
Located in Atlanta, GA
Everyday views of Venice titled "A View of the Realto Buildings at Venice" and "A View of Little St. Marks Place at Venice" and then again in French, made for the English/French mark...
Category

Antique 1810s English Neoclassical Prints

Materials

Paper

"The Declaration of Independence" Broadside, Published by Phelps & Ensign, 1841
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an ornamental engraved broadside of the Declaration of Independence. The print was designed by William Woodruff, engraved by Story & Atwood, and published by Phelps and ...
Category

Antique 1840s American Federal Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Map of the Royal Botanic Garden & Arboretum Kew in London, England
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice antique map of the Royal Botanic Garden & Arboretum in London, England, circa 1880s. The map itself measures 12" x 16" and is professionall...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Prints

Materials

Paper

Lithographic print on paper, depicting the atlas of the hand, France 1850 ca.
Located in Milan, IT
An anatomical lithographic print on paper, depicting the anatomical atlas of the hand. Black lacquered fir wood frame with golden ramin wood batting. N. H. Ja...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

Recently Viewed

View All