The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence

Titian

Under the cover of darkness, Saint Lawrence dies for his faith. Titian depicts the seen in frenetic chaos, illuminated only by the coals that heat the gridiron he is killed on, and the light that breaks through the clouds, as Lawrence reaches up for salvation. From above and below, we can see the scene due to violence, and due to hope. Titian was working off an painting of the same subject he made some nine years earlier, but this piece is more expressive, more tortured as he loosened his style as he aged. It was in this later period that Titain became pre-occupied with those who rebelled against authority, and the prices they paid for their rebellion. His work lost some of the vividness and luminosity of colour, but in their place came subtlety, this revolutionary painter painting revolutionaries with the freedom that comes with affinity. The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence is hopeful and violent, torturous and divine and an allegory for the world Titian saw.

Sunday 30th August

Today, the Moon deepens into the constellation of Pisces, bringing a flowing quality to the day and making it an ideal time to explore new ideas and learn from others. The Moon also joins Saturn and Neptune in Pisces, with both planets moving in retrograde until December. This may bring a sense of complexity or reflection, as events continue to unfold over the coming months. For today, we can work with the ebbing and flowing qualities of the Moon, remaining open and receptive to what arises. In the early hours of the morning, Saturn may be visible close to the Moon, while distant Neptune remains hidden from the naked eye.