Painting of a martyr

This painting depicts the martyrdom of a Catholic missionary in Japan. He is tied to a tree, and a spear has been plunged into his chest. A bonfire nips at his feet, and will soon consume him. An inscription below pro-vides the name of the man, Andres, and date of his martyrdom, 15 July 1628Japan forbid the practice of Christianity in 1587. Foreign missionaries and Christians were rooted out and persecuted. Notices were posted remind-ing people of the punishments; rewards were given to informers. But some missionaries and devoted Christians chose to keep their faith and continue their missionary work, whatever the consequences. It was not until 1873 that the prohibition of Christianity was finally lifted.

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