Artwork
The Stoning of Saint Stephen
The Stoning of Saint Stephen is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Master with the Banderoles. It dates from 1472 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Stoning of Saint Stephen is a c. 1472 engraving on laid paper attributed to Master with the Banderoles, depicting a dramatic biblical scene with technical precision.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving illustrates the violent martyrdom of Saint Stephen, an early Christian figure, amidst a chaotic foreground contrasted with a serene, distant townscape.
Technique & Style
Characterized by sharp, layered lines, the work achieves deep shadows and textured effects, conveying urgency and detail through meticulous fine-line work.
History & Provenance
Created around 1472 by Master with the Banderoles, a European engraver of the time, though specific ownership history before its current location is not detailed here.
Context
Part of a religious art tradition, this engraving reflects 15th-century European devotional themes, with the contrast between violence and tranquility highlighting spiritual strife.
Legacy
As an early example of precise engraving techniques, it influences subsequent printmaking, though its broader impact on religious art narratives is more nuanced and less documented.
Artist & collection
