The Martyrdom of Saint Stephen
Original title: The Martyrdrom of Saint Stephen, kneeling at center while persecutors throw stones at him, three angels holding a laurel wreath overhead, and Christ and God the Father in the clouds at upper left
kurzbeschreibung
This print captures the death of Saint Stephen: he kneels at the center while stones are thrown at him from all sides. Phillip Joseph Tassaert made this engraving sometime between 1756 and 1768. The trimmed sheet measures 50.3 × 32.8 cm.
Description
Stephen kneels in the middle, and above him three angels hold a laurel wreath ready. Around him, other figures can be seen hurling stones. In the upper left, Christ and God the Father appear in the clouds. The layout feels dynamic, with figures in varied poses and moods. The sheet is monochrome; hatching and lines create subdued light and shadow. The style is Baroque, focused on movement and drama.
Context
Tassaert, a Flemish engraver, worked in London and Antwerp in the 18th century. This engraving was likely made as a reproduction after a painting, as was common for the art trade and collectors at the time. The dating around 1756–68 falls during his most productive period.
Impact
The dynamic arrangement and dramatic lighting generate strong tension. The saint's calm posture contrasts with the agitation of his tormentors, which makes the print compelling.
Technique
For this engraving, lines were incised into a metal plate and then printed. Fine hatching and shading produce the monochrome tonal gradations and the dramatic lighting effect.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)