#52805 Germany

The engraving presents a scene of violent persecution, rendered in stark monochrome with meticulous detail. On the left side of the composition, a figure stands partially obscured by foliage, pierced by multiple arrows. The individuals posture suggests both suffering and defiance; the head is tilted upward, as if enduring the assault with stoicism. A halo-like wreath of leaves encircles the head, hinting at a sacred or idealized status.
To the right, a group of figures actively participate in the attack. They are depicted wielding bows and arrows, their expressions unreadable but suggesting purposeful action. The artist has given each figure distinct attire – turbans, caps, and varied clothing – which may indicate different social roles or affiliations within the persecuting group. Their poses convey a sense of coordinated effort; they move with purpose towards the central figure.
The ground plane is uneven, marked by rocks and sparse vegetation, contributing to the overall feeling of instability and distress. The composition’s arrangement directs the viewers eye from the suffering individual on the left to the aggressors on the right, emphasizing the power dynamic at play.
Subtextually, the work likely explores themes of religious martyrdom or political persecution. The halo around the figure’s head suggests a Christ-like symbolism, implying innocence and sacrifice in the face of unjust violence. The varied attire of the attackers could represent societal complicity in acts of oppression, with different classes or groups participating in the persecution. The engravings starkness and lack of overt emotional expression contribute to its unsettling effect, prompting reflection on the nature of suffering and the consequences of intolerance.