The Martyrdom and Last Communion of St. Lucy by Veronese

This dramatic scene was painted by Paolo Veronese during the Counter-Reformation. The Church, reeling from years of corruption and the rise of Protestantism, relied on works like these to promote the importance and validity of the sacraments. And martyrs were meant to serve as role models to Catholics. The idea was, “Hey, look what this person is willing to go through for their faith!”

I thought it would be fun to have an actual artist on the podcast! So today, I’m joined by Bruce Campbell, one of the Gallery’s longtime copyists. We discuss technique and what he discovered while copying this painting he describes as operatic.

Lucy was one tough lady. Despite being born into a noble Sicilian family in the third century, she became a Christian at a time when Christians were being persecuted mercilessly. She stood up to an abusive Roman governor and died speaking her truth to power.

See the artwork at https://alonglookpodcast.com/the-martyrdom-and-last-communion-of-st-lucy-by-veronese/

SHOW NOTES

“A Long Look” theme is “Ascension” by Ron Gelinas youtu.be/jGEdNSNkZoo

Episode theme is “Adoramus te Christe” composed by Giovanni Palestrina. Performed by Słowiki Choir. Courtesy of musopen.org https://musopen.org/music/4209-adoramus-te-christe/

St Lucy information https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.63264.html#overview

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Lucy

de Voragine, Jacobus. The Golden Legend. Anno Press, NY 1969

Counter Reformation information https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/world-history/renaissance-and-reformation/protestant-reformation/v/introduction-to-the-protestant-reformation-the-counter-reformation-4-of-4

Bruce Campbell information www.atelierbic.com