From the Cross to the Pyre: The Representation of the Martyrs of Japan in Jesuit Prints

Abstract The iconography of the martyrs Japan is often linked to that Twenty-Six Martyrs Nagasaki. This group mostly Franciscans was crucified in 1597 and beatified 1627, also included three Jesuits. Society Jesus, however, did not emphasize these their engravings representations victims Japanese mission especially before beatification. close study two major works, Nicolas Trigault’s History (Latin, 1623; French, 1624) famous Imago primi saeculi (1640), reveals how text image combine generate a different discourse martyrdom centered on sacrificial fire rather than death cross. Although first were never forgotten, particular foregrounds another Jesuit martyr, Carlo Spinola, whose prominent family had played an important role work’s creation.