Topic: 6. Sacrifices of self: Martyrology after Reformation (16th-18th Century)
During the volatile period between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, the concept of martyrdom underwent significant reinterpretations across different Christian denominations. This section explores how Catholics, Protestants, and Anabaptists each uniquely perceived and portrayed martyrdom. Protestants, countering the Catholic notion of sainthood, crafted new martyrologies to establish a lineage of sacrifice rooted in what they deemed as true faith. Similarly, the Anabaptists viewed the state of persecution, as chronicled in their martyrologies, as a testament to being part of the true church. This collection includes a wide array of early modern Catholic, Lutheran, Calvinist, and Anabaptist printed sources and images. It is further enriched by a comprehensive bibliography spanning from the 19th to the 21st Century, offering modern perspectives on these historical interpretations
A Description of Lollards Tower, where Mr. Richard Hunne was Murthered. (1563)
from: Foxe, J. Book of Martyrs, 1684
Atla Digital Library
A Lamentable Spectacle of Three Women, with a Silly Infant Brasting Out of the Mothers Womb, Being First Taken Out of the Fire, and Cast Again, and so All Burned Together, in the Isle of Garnsey, 1556 July 18. (1563)
from: Foxe, J. Book of Martyrs, 1684
Atla Digital Library
Abscheulichste Unehörte Execution, an wehland dem Durchleuchtig- und Grossmächtigsten Carl Stuart, König in Gross Britannien, Franctreich und Irrland vorgangen in Londen vor der Residents Whithall, Dienstag den 30 Janua: 9 Februa: Anno 1640. Nachmittag zwischen 2 und 3 uhren [1649]
National Portrait Galllery, London
An Angel Crowning Three Male Martyrs [1575 - 1600]
The Royal Collection Trust, UK
Bertrand de Blas (1604)
from: Haemstede, Adriaen Cornelisz van, De historien de vrome martelaren, 1609, p. 346
Bibliotheek Rotterdam
Carthusian Martyrs (19th Century)
St Hugh's Charterhouse, Parkminster, England
Carthusian Martyrs Drawn and Quartered (19th Century)
St Hugh's Charterhouse, Parkminster, England
Certaine Bishops Talking with Maister Bradford in Prison. (16th Century)
National Portrait Gallery, London
De Koningh is verstoort, om dat sijn Vrouwen twisten. Daerom hy d'een onthoost en soo de twist doet slissen. (1660)
from: Hortensius, L. Oproeren der Wederdoperen, geschiet tot Amsterdam, Munster en in Groeningerlandt, Samuel Imbrechts, Amsterdam, 1660, p. 90
Bibliotheek Universiteit van Amsterdam
Den Koningh Ian Bokelsz. sit op sijn Throon hoovaerdigh. Drie mael ter week, doch is deplaets niet waerdigh. (1660)
from: Hortensius, L. Oproeren der Wederdoperen, geschiet tot Amsterdam, Munster en in Groeningerlandt, Samuel Imbrechts, Amsterdam, 1660, p. 63
Bibliotheek Universiteit van Amsterdam
Edmund Campion, Martyr (1582)
from: A Particular Declaration or Testimony of the Undutifull and Traiterous Affection Borne Against her Maiestie by Edmond Campion Jesuite, London, Christopher Barker
British Museum, London
Execution of Quakers (1661)
The Royal Collection Trust, UK