The Stoning of Saint Stephen

Art Historical Context

Domenico del Barbiere’s engraving “The Stoning of Saint Stephen” captures the dramatic martyrdom of the first Christian saint, as recounted in the New Testament. The composition centers on the young deacon surrounded by a crowd of men, with angels and a cross underscoring his heavenly reward. Though the precise date remains unknown, the work reflects the Renaissance interest in vivid biblical narratives rendered for devotional use. As an engraving, the print allowed this powerful scene to circulate widely beyond churches and palaces, reaching a broader audience through the relatively new technology of printmaking. Del Barbiere’s precise line work conveys both the violence of the stoning and the serene faith of the saint, inviting viewers to reflect on themes of persecution and divine grace. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Department of Drawings and Prints, this sheet measuring just over ten by six inches demonstrates how small-scale works could carry great spiritual and artistic weight during the period.