Jakobus-Stephanus-Altar: Steinigung des hl. Stephanus

Marx Reichlich painted this Stoning of Saint Stephen for the Jacob-Stephen Altar in 1506 in the Tyrol. Stephen's death by stoning was the first Christian martyrdom, making it a foundational event in Church history. Reichlich's dramatic treatment reflects the emotional intensity of Tyrolean devotional painting. The oil medium allowed for rich tonal transitions and glazed layers of color that created luminous depth impossible with the older tempera technique. Such devotional panels served both liturgical contexts in churches and chapels and private devotional use in the homes of wealthy families who maintained personal altars and oratories.

Oil on panel with vivid depiction of the violent stoning scene. Reichlich's Alpine coloring and expressive figure painting create an emotionally powerful martyrdom image.