Artwork
Saint Stephen accused of Blasphemy
Saint Stephen accused of Blasphemy is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Juan de Juanes. It dates from 1555 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
As a work of religious art created by Juan de Juanes, the piece focuses on the narrative of the saint's trial and the charges brought against him.
The painting depicts Saint Stephen, a figure central to early Christian history, specifically illustrating the moment he is accused of blasphemy. As a work of religious art created by Juan de Juanes, the piece focuses on the narrative of the saint's trial and the charges brought against him. The subject matter aligns with the artist's frequent engagement with hagiographical themes, presenting the saint in a context of religious conflict and martyrdom.
The composition serves to visualize the biblical account of Stephen's condemnation, emphasizing the gravity of the accusations and the sanctity of the figure portrayed.
Technique & Style
The work is an oil painting executed on wooden panel, measuring 160 cm by 123 cm. It was created in 1555 by Juan de Juanes, who employed oil paint to render the figure of Saint Stephen in the act of being accused of blasphemy. The composition reflects a conventional religious style typical of mid-sixteenth-century Spanish art, with careful handling of light and detail on the panel support.
History & Provenance
The painting titled Saint Stephen accused of Blasphemy was created by Juan de Juanes in 1555 using oil paint on panel. It was completed in 1562 and first recorded in the collection of Ferdinand VII of Spain, who commissioned the work for the Royal Palace of Madrid. The artwork measures 160 cm in height and 123 cm in width and is classified as a religious painting.
Juan de Juanes painted Saint Stephen accused of Blasphemy in 1555, an oil-on-panel work measuring 160 cm by 123 cm. The painting entered the collection of Ferdinand VII of Spain and is now housed in the Museo del Prado, Royal Palace of Madrid, where it has been exhibited as part of the museum’s religious art holdings.
Overview
Saint Stephen accused of Blasphemy is a 1555 oil painting by Juan de Juanes, a prominent artist of the Valencian school during the Spanish Renaissance.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Vicente Juan Masip (also known as Joan de Joanes) (1507 – 1579) was a Spanish painter of the Renaissance period.
