The Stoning of St. Stephen

The Stoning of St. Stephen by Rembrandt van Rijn Dutch, 1606-1669, is a powerful early example of the artist's mastery of etching. Created in 1635, this print is executed on ivory laid paper, showcasing Rembrandt's ability to manipulate line work to achieve intense tonal variation and dramatic light effects.

The work illustrates the climactic scene of St. Stephen’s martyrdom, as described in the Book of Acts. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, is shown kneeling in the foreground amidst a chaotic assembly of his executioners, moments before his death by stoning. Rembrandt skillfully uses contrast, illuminating Stephen with a supernatural light that cuts through the surrounding darkness, drawing the viewer's eye to the central figure's resigned posture and expression of spiritual clarity. This dramatic use of light and shadow, characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age, emphasizes the religious fervor and narrative intensity of the biblical event.

As a printmaker, Rembrandt's approach to the etching medium was highly innovative. He used varied hatching and deep burr to establish layers of darkness, creating a profound sense of three-dimensionality and emotional weight within the compact format of the print. This early work demonstrates the technical genius that positioned him as a towering figure in the art history of the Netherlands.

While the artist is perhaps best known for his large-scale paintings, his influential catalog of prints offers crucial insight into his evolving artistic concerns and psychological depth. This exemplary impression of the work is housed in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.