“The Stoning of Stephen,” a religious painting created by Fra Angelico between 1447 and 1449 during the Early Renaissance period, is housed in the Palazzo Apostolico, Vatican. This artwork has dimensions of 326 x 236 cm and vividly depicts the martyrdom of Saint Stephen.
The artwork portrays a dramatic scene set in an expansive landscape. Saint Stephen, depicted in a submissive posture with hands raised in prayer, is the focal point on the right side of the composition. He is dressed in a vivid green tunic with a yellow robe, symbolizing his sanctity. The aggressors, dressed in flowing garments of various hues, are shown hurling stones at the saint. Their facial expressions and dynamic postures convey a sense of intensity and movement, capturing the moment of violence. The background features a serene, rolling landscape with a distant cityscape and verdant trees, contrasting the brutality of the foreground scene. The overall atmosphere combines both the solemnity of the martyrdom and the tranquility of the surroundings, characteristic of Fra Angelico’s masterful storytelling through art.
