Introduction

In the following presentation, we submit three works to the viewer; three works from three different eras, created across three different cultures. The subject in each piece gazes intently beyond the viewer. This gaze is the one through which we address the theme of martyrdom as navigation of pain, art as a projection of human ideals. As you glance through our presentation, consider how and why each artist portrays suffering. How is each subject an example of martyrdom? How is pain presented to the viewer? Our analyses of the following pieces attempt to shed light on the human propensity to value, eroticize, and sanctify those who transcend pain, to idealize and worship those who surpass humanity through their unique inner and emotional understanding of pleasure through the experience of corporeal pain.