1-156-792 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

'The Martyrdom of St Maurice', 286 (c1580-1581). St Maurice was an Egyptian-born Roman Christian soldier, martyred in 286. Commanded by the Emperor Maximian to sacrifice to the gods, he was killed for refusing. The painting shows Maurice in the foreground refusing the order, on the left he is shown being martyred and at the top he is being carried up to Heaven holding a palmfrond, the symbol of martyrdom.