The martyrdom of St Stephen 1567 - 1651

Curator: This ink drawing is titled “The Martyrdom of St Stephen.” It was created sometime between 1567 and 1651 by an anonymous artist and now resides here at the SMK, Statens Museum for Kunst. Editor: My immediate reaction is how raw the sketch feels. You can almost hear the clamor of the scene despite the fine lines and subdued medium. It is as if this is a snapshot in time! Curator: Absolutely. The drawing is executed on a grid, which might point to its function as a preparatory sketch, likely intended for transfer onto a larger surface, maybe for a painting or tapestry. The use of readily available materials suggests a practice rooted in the everyday activity of the workshop. Editor: It’s important to note the scene depicted—the stoning of St. Stephen. Beyond the explicit violence, it speaks volumes about the power dynamics and religious intolerance prevalent during its era. Who has the authority to carry out such a brutal act and in whose name? Curator: Notice how the figures, though quickly sketched, have a real dynamism. The artist paid attention to the distribution of light and shadow. Editor: And above the chaos, the swirling figures of angels hint at divine intervention. A direct contrast with the earthly cruelty occurring below. There are a multitude of political interpretations we can draw out of the arrangement and expressions presented here. It almost reads as if Stephen, here on earth, is actually closer to grace. Curator: That celestial element indeed elevates the piece beyond mere historical documentation. And there is something about its incompleteness. Editor: Well, that incompleteness offers a glimpse into the creative process, almost inviting us to complete the story ourselves. To consider what stories were left untold throughout history. Curator: A chilling but effective choice for capturing such a fraught event. Editor: It urges us to not only consider how something is constructed but what ideological agendas, social positions and powers it actively reflects or subtly reinforces.