Saint Stephen 

Israhel van Meckenem etched "Saint Stephen" around 1470, and the iconography here is rich. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, is depicted holding a book—likely the Gospels—and a palm frond, the symbol of martyrdom. Notice the stones peeking out from within his robes. This is a potent, repeated symbol; the stones represent the method of his execution. But this imagery extends beyond a literal representation of death. Think back to classical antiquity, where we find the motif of the dying hero, often depicted with symbols of their suffering. The palm frond has its roots in Roman culture, where it signified victory and triumph. It appears in depictions of athletes and military leaders. Over time, the Church adopted it to represent spiritual triumph over earthly suffering. The intensity of Saint Stephen's serene expression amidst these violent symbols speaks volumes. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith, capturing the complexities of suffering and triumph, themes that resonate deeply within our collective consciousness. The symbols persist, echoing through history and art.