The artwork titled “Martyrdom of St. Stephen,” painted by Giorgio Vasari circa 1560, represents the religious painting genre within the Mannerism art movement, also known as the Late Renaissance. The dimensions of this significant piece are 300 x 163 cm.
The artwork illustrates the martyrdom of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, who is shown in the foreground dressed in a richly adorned ceremonial robe. He gazes skyward with a serene expression, an indication of his faith and acceptance of his fate. Surrounding him, a tumultuous crowd, rendered with vigorous motion and intense expressions, lifts stones high into the air, ready to commence the act of stoning. The backdrop of the painting depicts an architectural scene, adding depth and context to the event. The artist employs dramatic contrasts, detailed figures, and a sophisticated composition to convey both the physical anguish and the spiritual transcendence of the event.
