Der hl. Laurentius vor Kaiser Decius
Michael Pacher·1465
Historical Context
The panel showing Lawrence before Emperor Decius belongs to Pacher's Laurentius Altar cycle, most probably painted for a church in the Tyrolian region dedicated to the Roman martyr. Lawrence, the archdeacon of Rome executed by Decius in 258 AD for refusing to surrender the Church's wealth, was one of the most popular early Christian martyrs in German-speaking lands. Pacher's interest was clearly in the confrontation scene — the emperor enthroned in state, Lawrence calm and defiant before him — which allowed for the theatrical architectural staging he relished.
Technical Analysis
The imperial court is staged within a deep Gothic hall whose steeply receding floor and compressed vault recall Pacher's Neustift compositions. Decius's throne is rendered with elaborate goldsmith-like detail, while Lawrence's deacon's vestments are painted in deep vermilion, making him the warm focal point against cool stone.
