The artwork, titled “Stoning of St. Stephen,” was created by Paolo Uccello circa 1435. This fresco, part of the Early Renaissance art movement, measures 310 by 420 centimeters. As a religious painting, it is housed in the Duomo di Firenze (also known as the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore) located in Florence, Italy.
The artwork vividly depicts the martyrdom of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, according to Christian tradition. Saint Stephen is shown kneeling in prayer, with a serene expression, as a group of figures surrounds him in the act of stoning. The individuals enacting the stoning convey a range of emotions through their dynamic postures and vigorous gestures, highlighting the brutality of the act.
Uccello’s use of perspective is notable, contributing to the sense of depth and realism in the fresco. The architectural backdrop, with its intricate detailing of buildings and towers, further enhances the scene’s spatial composition. The presence of celestial elements in the upper right corner, such as radiant light indicating divine intervention or approval, contrasts with the dark, chaotic scene below, adding another layer of symbolic meaning to the work. The fresco is a masterful combination of dramatic narrative and technical prowess, characteristic of the Early Renaissance period.
