Saint Stephen Protomartyr

Domenico Ghirlandaio painted this image of Saint Stephen Protomartyr around 1490. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was widely venerated and frequently depicted in Italian Renaissance art. Ghirlandaio's treatment of saints as dignified, naturalistic figures set within clearly rendered architectural or landscape settings exemplifies his straightforward narrative approach to religious painting. Ghirlandaio was the preeminent fresco painter in late fifteenth-century Florence, running a highly efficient workshop that completed major commissions for Florentine churches and the Sistine Chapel.

Tempera on panel with Ghirlandaio's characteristic clean draftsmanship and clear coloring. The saint is depicted with naturalistic features and rich drapery in Ghirlandaio's descriptive manner.