Who painted Martyrdom of Saint Stephen?

Martyrdom of Saint Stephen was painted by Martin Johann Schmidt in 1790.

Where can I see Martyrdom of Saint Stephen?

Martyrdom of Saint Stephen is held by Kunsthistorisches Museum.

What movement is Martyrdom of Saint Stephen?

Martyrdom of Saint Stephen is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Martyrdom of Saint Stephen

Martin Johann Schmidt , 1790

Martyrdom of Saint Stephen is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Martin Johann Schmidt. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

About this work

Overview

Martyrdom of Saint Stephen is a 1790 oil-on-canvas painting by Martin Johann Schmidt, a prominent Austrian artist of the late Baroque and Rococo periods. The work depicts the biblical martyrdom of Saint Stephen in a characteristic Rococo style, emphasizing light and ornateness.

Subject & Meaning

The painting illustrates the stoning of Saint Stephen, an early Christian martyr. The scene conveys the dramatic and emotional intensity of the event, with figures reacting in various ways around the central suffering saint.

Technique & Style

Schmidt employed chiaroscuro to create a striking contrast between light and dark, drawing attention to the central figure through highlighted facial expressions and robes. The overall style blends the ornateness of Rococo with the dramatic lighting of Baroque traditions.

History & Provenance

Created in 1790, the painting is part of the collection at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, reflecting Schmidt's contribution to Austrian religious art of his time.

Artist & collection

Artist

Martin Johann Schmidt

Martin Johann Schmidt, called Kremser Schmidt or Kremserschmidt, (25 September 1718 – 28 June 1801), was one of the outstanding Austrian painters of the late Baroque/Rococo along with Franz Anton Maulbertsch.