Entourage Of Marten De Vos - The Beheading Of Saint Jacques Le Majeur

Flemish school from the beginning of the 17th century (Circle of Martin DE VOS) Drawing Pen and wash 38 x 32 cm (58 x 52 cm with the frame) Inscription "Martin de Vos" We know of an engraving by Martin de Vos in the opposite direction of our drawing which represents the same composition except for the details. This is probably a drawing from this engraving. The very high general quality of the drawing and the wash, the age of the paper, which probably dates from the 16th century, and the style and technique very close to the drawings of Martin de Vos suggest an attribution in Martin de Vos's entourage to the late 16th century or early 17th century. The subject is known as part of the series of martyrdoms of saints, the best known of which is undoubtedly the beheading of Saint Paul in Rome. The story of Saint James the Greater is that of one of Jesus' closest apostles along with Saint John and Saint Peter. His martyrdom is recounted in the Acts of the Apostles: "He (Herod) slew James, brother of John, with the sword" at the time of Peter's arrest. He was therefore beheaded just like Saint Paul.