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This monumental altarpiece depicts Saint Romanus of Antioch, holding his own severed tongue, alongside the child martyr Saint Barulas. It's a powerful example of religious art designed to be both accessible and inspiring, created for a church in Seville.
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In this imposing canvas, Saint Romanus of Antioch towers over a young boy, Saint Barulas, in a dramatic scene of faith and martyrdom. Romanus, a figure of immense strength, holds up his own tongue, brutally torn out by his tormentors, a visceral detail that immediately draws the eye. His other hand grasps a massive, open book, inscribed with a prayer invoking his intercession for the faithful. This painting, originally created for the high altar of the church of San Román in Seville, Spain, was designed to align with the church's dedication to Saint Romanus. Catholic reformers of the era emphasized that religious art should present easily recognizable figures and narratives to engage contemporary audiences, a goal this artwork achieves with its direct and powerful depiction of the saints.
The saint's torn-out tongue held in his hand
The large book open to a Latin prayer
The young Saint Barulas looking up at Romanus
This monumental altarpiece depicts Saint Romanus of Antioch, holding his own severed tongue, alongside the child martyr Saint Barulas. It's a powerful example…
This enigmatic Early Netherlandish painter, active in Brussels, is known for his detailed religious scenes and portraits of church patrons.
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