St. Lawrence's Death on a Grill: Fact or Fiction?: An Update on the Controversy

This study revisits the historical and artistic depictions of St. Lawrence's martyrdom, particularly his death on a grill, challenging long-standing narratives with modern scholarship. While traditional accounts portray Lawrence as a steadfast figure whose courage during persecution inspired centuries of cultural expression—from Dante’s Paradiso to Titian’s paintings—the research critically examines the origins and reliability of these legends. The study also highlights the enduring influence of Lawrence's martyrdom in art, music (e.g., Palestrina’s compositions), geography (e.g., the Gulf of St. Lawrence), and even modern institutions like the Charlotte cathedral and a Buenos Aires soccer team. By synthesizing historical sources with contemporary skepticism, the paper provides a nuanced perspective on whether Lawrence’s legendary death is fact or fiction.

Porter, Rev. L. B. (2017). St. Lawrence’s Death on a Grill: Fact or Fiction?: An Update on the Controversy. Logos: A Journal of Catholic Thought and Culture, 20(4), 89–111. https://doi.org/10.1353/log.2017.0030