Niccolò di Pietro Gerini, Italian (active Florence), first documented 1368, died 1415 – The Scourging of the Four Crowned Martyrs Philadelphia Museum of Art

The composition presents a scene of brutal suffering and religious martyrdom. A central figure, clad in yellow robes and bound, is being struck by a man wielding a club. The force of the blow is emphasized by the dynamic posture of both figures; the victim leans backward, his face contorted in pain, while the assailant’s arm extends powerfully forward.
Flanking this immediate action are four other men, stripped to their waists and bearing visible wounds – likely inflicted through scourging. A halo surrounds each of these individuals, signifying their status as saints or martyrs. Their expressions range from stoic endurance to quiet suffering, contributing to the overall atmosphere of solemnity and piety.
To the left, a figure stands observing the scene; he is dressed in similar attire to the man wielding the club, but his posture suggests authority or command. Above him, partially obscured by architectural elements, appears another figure with a distinctly demonic appearance – horns, fiery red coloration, and an expression of malevolent glee. This presence introduces a layer of supernatural conflict, suggesting that the suffering depicted is not merely a human act but part of a larger cosmic struggle between good and evil.
The setting itself is defined by a series of arches and columns, creating a sense of enclosure and emphasizing the public nature of the event. The architectural details are rendered with a degree of formality, typical of the period’s artistic conventions.
Subtleties in color contribute to the emotional impact. The bright yellow of the victims robes draws immediate attention, contrasting sharply with the darker tones of the surrounding figures and background. The red hues used for wounds and the demonic figure heighten the sense of violence and spiritual corruption. The gold leaf accents on the halos and architectural elements add a touch of opulence, reinforcing the sacred nature of the subject matter.
The painting’s narrative suggests themes of faith, sacrifice, and divine retribution. It explores the consequences of religious belief in a hostile world, presenting the suffering of the martyrs as both tragic and ultimately triumphant – a testament to their unwavering devotion.