Jakobus-Stephanus-Altar: Disputation des hl. Stephanus

Marx Reichlich painted the Disputation of Saint Stephen for the Jacob-Stephen Altar in 1506 in the Tyrol. The scene shows Saint Stephen debating before the Sanhedrin, the episode that led to his martyrdom as the first Christian witness. Reichlich's narrative painting demonstrates his command of multi-figure debate scenes. The tempera medium required careful preparation on a gessoed panel and a disciplined layering technique that produced precise, durable surfaces suited to the intricate detail expected of devotional painting.

Oil on panel with detailed rendering of the debate setting and the varied reactions of Stephen's opponents. Reichlich's characterization of the arguing figures shows his ability to convey intellectual conflict through gesture and expression.