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The Stoning Of St. Stephen
The first signed painting by Rembrandt, depicting the martyrdom of St. Stephen as described in the Acts of the Apostles (chapter 7). It shows the moment of Stephen's stoning outside the city by about twenty tormentors, while he utters his last words to Christ, symbolized by the radiance above his head. The composition divides the painting into two zones of light and shadow, creating a strong chiaroscuro effect.
Portrait of the Creator
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Artist
Rembrandt van Rijn
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Date of birth and death
15 July 1606 – 4 October 1669
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Natinality
Dutch
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Style
Dutch Golden Age, Baroque, masterful chiaroscuro, psychological realism
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Significant works
The Night Watch, The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, The Jewish Bride, Self-portraits, The Hundred Guilder Print
Information about the work
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Year:
1625
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Execution technique:
oil on panel/canvas
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Location:
Private collection, Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon, Lyon, France
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Theme:
martyrdom, religion, saints, Baroque
Internal Narrative and Creative Framework
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Inner Narrative
The painting is inspired by the art of Caravaggio and Adam Elsheimer. Rembrandt depicts himself as a figure present behind Stephen, expressing anxiety and doubts about the violence, which is a rare example of the artist's self-reflection in the work.
The key to interpreting the work
Interpret considering the context of the young Rembrandt, his inspirations from Caravaggio, and the function of the painting as an illustration of a biblical scene of martyrdom.See other works by this artist
Self-Portrait with Saskia in the Parable of the Prodigal Son
- Artist: Rembrandt van Rijn
- Year: 1635
