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Saint Stephen Mourned by Saints Gamaliel and Nicodemus
Attributed to: Pensionante del Saraceni (Italian, active 1610–1625)
Follower of: Carlo Saraceni (Italian (Venetian), about 1579–1620)
Follower of: Carlo Saraceni (Italian (Venetian), about 1579–1620)
about 1615
Medium/Technique
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
113.1 x 155.3 cm (44 1/2 x 61 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
M. Theresa B. Hopkins Fund and Charles Potter Kling Fund
Accession Number1978.160
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsPaintings
The martyrdom of Saint Stephen, who was stoned to death after delivering a fiery sermon, is described in the Biblical Book of Acts. In this image, the sympathetic Jews Gamaliel and Nicodemus wait to bury Stephen, while the crowd disperses in the distance. Stephen, considered the first Christian martyr, was one of the first seven deacons appointed by Christ's apostles. His red and gold vestments accentuate the pallor of his face and hands, as the lush landscape in the background contrasts with the hard, cold stones beneath him.
ProvenanceAbout 1615, possibly commissioned by Cardinale Jacopo Sannesi for the Sannesi chapel at San Silvestro al Quirinale, Rome; probably kept at the Sannesi Palace (later the Cavalieri Palace), Rome and passed by descent within the family to Uldorico Orsini de Cavalieri; 1802, probably sold by Uldorico Orsini de Cavalieri to art dealer Pietro Camuccini (b. 1761 - d. 1833), Rome; by inheritance to his nephew, Giovanni Battista Camuccini, Rome; 1856, sold by Camuccini to Algernon Percy, 4th Duke of Northumberland (b. 1792 - d. 1865), Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, England; until 1978, by descent within the family and kept at Alnwick Castle [see note 1]; 1978, sold by the Duke of Northumberland to Thos. Agnew and Sons, Ltd., London; 1978, sold by Agnew to the MFA [see note 2]. (Accession Date: May 10, 1978)
NOTES:
[1] Attributed to Caravaggio. [2] Accessioned as a work by Saraceni.
NOTES:
[1] Attributed to Caravaggio. [2] Accessioned as a work by Saraceni.