“The Stoning of St. Stephen” is a significant work of art created by the esteemed artist Rembrandt in 1625. As an early product of Rembrandt’s oeuvre, this piece exemplifies the Baroque movement that defined much of seventeenth-century European art. This religious painting is crafted with oil upon panel and measures 123.6 by 89.5 centimeters. Although initially part of a private collection, it now enhances the galleries of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon in Lyon, France.
The artwork vividly depicts the gruesome and chaotic scene of the martyrdom of St. Stephen, who is recognized as Christianity’s first martyr. At the center of the composition, St. Stephen is shown kneeling, looking upwards with an expression of devout faith and resignation. He is adorned in a richly embellished red garment that dramatically contrasts with the more muted tones of the surroundings, drawing the eye directly to him. The surrounding figures are engaged in the act of stoning, their faces contorted with a range of emotions from rage to fervor. The dynamic postures and expressions of these figures create a sense of movement and tension within the painting.
To the left, a figure on horseback, darkly clad, dominates the group involved in the stoning, potentially a representation of a person of authority overseeing the execution. The background features architectural elements and a subdued landscape, which recedes into the distance, allowing the viewer to focus on the key emotional elements of the drama unfolding in the foreground. The interplay of light and shadow is masterfully used to heighten the drama and direct attention within the scene.
In line with the Baroque style, the artwork employs dramatic lighting, intense emotion, and a strong sense of movement, enhancing the narrative’s impact and drawing viewers into the depth of the momentous biblical event it portrays.