Saint Stephen 1525 - 1530

This limewood sculpture of Saint Stephen, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was created around 1525-30 by Hans Leinberger. The tactile qualities of the wood are striking, from the smooth face to the sharp edges of the book. The way Leinberger worked this material allows us to appreciate a play of light and shadow that animates the figure. The sculpture is structured around contrasts. Look at how the soft curves of Stephen’s robes and hair juxtapose the rigid angles of the stones he holds. This tension emphasizes the martyrdom that he will face. It challenges the viewer to consider the cost of faith through form. Note the empty, contemplative gaze which suggests a detachment from earthly concerns. The unpainted wood brings out the raw, natural state of the material which highlights the contrast between spiritual ideals and material realities. This interplay between form and content invites reflection on the enduring themes of faith, sacrifice, and the physical world.