Martyrdom of the Apostles: Martyrdom of St Paul

Stefan Lochner painted this Martyrdom of Saint Paul as part of his apostle cycle. Paul's beheading outside the walls of Rome was the most widely depicted apostolic martyrdom after Peter's crucifixion. Lochner's treatment combines the severity of the execution with the saint's calm acceptance. 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 showing the apostle's execution with Lochner's characteristic balance of violence and beauty. The refined coloring and careful composition serve the devotional function of the martyrdom image.