Martyrdom of a praying saint and nun Camillo (Rizzi) Ricci (1590-1626)

The composition presents a scene of violent martyrdom framed within a high, arched format. Here we observe a central female figure, presumably the saint, seated upon a stone block and being subjected to decapitation by a bearded man in red attire. A second figure, also male and similarly dressed, stands poised with a weapon, seemingly ready to deliver the final blow or participate further in the act of execution.
The saint’s posture is significant; she appears not to resist, her hands raised in what seems like prayer or supplication. Her expression conveys a mixture of serenity and acceptance, suggesting a spiritual fortitude that transcends the physical suffering being inflicted upon her. The artist has rendered her garments with intricate detail – a blue robe adorned with elaborate patterns – contrasting sharply with the rough-hewn texture of the stone she sits on and the coarse clothing of her tormentors.
To the lower right, a second female figure, identifiable as a nun by her habit, is depicted in profile. Her gaze is directed upwards, presumably towards the divine realm. This placement suggests a witness to the event, or perhaps an embodiment of faith enduring through suffering. The nun’s posture reinforces the saints own gesture of prayer and underscores the spiritual dimension of the scene.
Above the central action, a group of cherubic figures floats within a cloudy sky, bathed in radiant light. Their presence introduces a layer of heavenly intervention, implying divine sanction or reward for the saint’s sacrifice. The light emanating from them serves to highlight the sanctity of the moment and provides a visual counterpoint to the brutality occurring below.
The landscape background is rendered with a degree of atmospheric perspective, suggesting depth and distance. It features indistinct figures in the middle ground, possibly representing onlookers or other victims. This detail contributes to the sense of a larger historical context for the martyrdom.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of faith, sacrifice, and divine grace. The contrast between the violence of the executioners and the saint’s peaceful acceptance invites contemplation on the nature of suffering and the power of spiritual conviction. The inclusion of the nun reinforces the idea of communal faith and the enduring legacy of those who have died for their beliefs. The compositions verticality, emphasized by the arched format, directs the viewer’s eye upwards towards the celestial realm, reinforcing the painting’s devotional purpose.