Artwork

Martyrdom of St. Stephen

Martyrdom of St. Stephen, by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, 1754
Martyrdom of St. Stephen, by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, 1754

Martyrdom of St. Stephen is a print by the Baroque artist Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo. It dates from 1754 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Martyrdom of St.

About this work

Overview

Martyrdom of St. Stephen is a late Baroque print created by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo around 1754, characterized by dramatic religious subject matter and dynamic composition typical of Venetian art at the time.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts the stoning of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, conveying heightened emotional intensity through the victim's kneeling posture with outstretched arms, surrounded by aggressive figures throwing rocks, and a uneasy onlooker in the background.

Technique & Style

Tiepolo employed sharp chiaroscuro, contrasting light and dark to intensify the dramatic action, while ghostly figures in the chaotic sky above amplify the sense of struggle and suffering.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1754 by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo, son and pupil of Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, the work's provenance details are not specified in available information.

Context

As a product of the late Baroque period in Venice, the print reflects the era's emphasis on emotionally charged religious themes and vigorous compositional dynamics.

Legacy

The legacy of *Martyrdom of St. Stephen* lies in its representation of late Baroque Venetian art's dramatic and emotionally intense storytelling, though specific influences or notable exhibitions are not detailed in the provided sources.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo

Artist

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo

Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo (August 30, 1727 – March 3, 1804) was an Italian painter and printmaker in etching. He was the son of artist Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and elder brother of Lorenzo Baldissera Tiepolo.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.