Steniging van Stefanus 1546

Cornelis Bos created this print, titled "Stoning of Stephen," in 1546. The image captures a deeply unsettling moment, rooted in religious and social tensions of the 16th century. Here, we see Stephen, a figure from the New Testament, kneeling and looking upwards towards the light, even as he is surrounded by those who are about to stone him. The artist emphasizes the brutal act, with figures caught in mid-motion, stones raised high. The faces of the crowd, some bearded and turbaned, hint at the diverse social identities involved in this act of violence. The presence of onlookers, including a seated woman, invites us to witness and perhaps question the justification of such violence. Bos situates this biblical narrative within a landscape dotted with both classical and contemporary buildings, blurring the lines between historical and present-day contexts. This print serves not only as a depiction of martyrdom but also as a reflection on the complex intersections of faith, power, and social order in Bos's time. It is a visceral reminder of how easily ideological differences can escalate into violence, prompting reflection on the personal and collective consequences of such actions.