This painting depicts the death of the first martyr, Saint Stephen, outside the walls of Jerusalem. Gimignani conjures up a violent and suspenseful scene, focusing on the moment immediately before the spilling of blood. The young saint’s scrawny body appears fragile and vulnerable in contrast with the muscular henchmen and the horribly large rock that is about to be dropped on him. In an outburst of glory, the clouds open to reveal the Trinity and angels descending to welcome Stephen’s soul into heaven.
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