The Stoning of St. Stephen, 1635

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Rembrandt chose the martyrdom of Saint Stephen as the subject of his first painting, completed in 1625 at the age of 19. Some ten years later, he reprises the theme in this dramatic etched portrayal of the saint's murder by stoning. According to the Acts of the Apostles from the Bible, Stephen was a disciple of Jesus and deacon in the early Christian church who was assigned to distribute food and charities to widows and needy members of the community. His teachings espousing Jesus as savior and arguments against traditional Jewish beliefs had offended the authorities of certain synagogues, who falsely accused him of preaching against the Temple (blasphemy) and sentenced him to death. Considered the first martyr of Christianity, Stephen is compassionate to the end, imploring God to forgive his murderers of their sins.

Details
Title
The Stoning of St. Stephen
Artist Life
1606 - 1669
Role
Artist
Accession Number
P.1,266
Provenance
Wm. Ladd, Portland, Ore.; Herschel V. Jones, Minneapolis; given to MIA, 1916.
Catalogue Raisonne
Hind 125 os; B.97; Mz.205 i/ii; Holl. 97 i/ii; B-B.35-A
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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