Martyrdom of the Apostles: Martyrdom of Saint James the Younger

Stefan Lochner painted this Martyrdom of Saint James the Younger as part of the apostle cycle. James, identified as the brother of Jesus, was according to tradition thrown from the Temple pinnacle and beaten to death. Lochner's cycle provided a comprehensive visual record of apostolic suffering. The tempera-on-panel medium required a carefully gessoed surface and was painted in fine, precise layers, yielding a luminous, jewel-like surface of great durability.

Oil on panel with Lochner's refined technique and the luminous palette characteristic of the Cologne school. The violent martyrdom is tempered by devotional beauty.