Artwork
Saint Stephen
Saint Stephen is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Martin Schongauer. It dates from 1490 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Saint Stephen is a late 15th-century engraving, circa 1490, by Martin Schongauer, depicting the martyrdom of the first Christian saint to be stoned to death.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving portrays Saint Stephen kneeling, with stones at his feet and a divine beam of light illuminating his head, emphasizing his devotion amidst persecution. The detailed folds of his robe add to the scene's realism.
Technique & Style
Schongauer employed cross-hatching to achieve precise lines, deep shadows, and a sense of three-dimensionality, characteristic of his meticulous engraving technique.
History & Provenance
Attributed to Schongauer, one of 116 known engravings by the artist, this work was later admired and collected by Albrecht Dürer, acknowledging Schongauer's prominence as a printmaker north of the Alps.
Context
This engraving reflects the prevalent devotional themes in late 15th-century religious art, catering to the spiritual interests of its time.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Martin Schongauer (c. 1450–1453, Colmar – 2 February 1491, Breisach), also known as Martin Schön ("Martin beautiful") or Hübsch Martin ("pretty Martin") by his contemporaries, was an Alsatian engraver and painter. He…
