Stephen expelled from the Synagogue Giovanni Francesco Bembo (1480-1543)

The composition centers on a dramatic confrontation unfolding within what appears to be a religious structure, likely a synagogue or temple. Three figures dominate the foreground; two are actively pushing a central figure away from the buildings entrance. The man being expelled is positioned slightly off-center, his head turned towards his aggressors with an expression that suggests both defiance and distress. He wears a simple tunic, contrasting with the more elaborate attire of those ejecting him.
The individuals forcing him out are older men, their faces etched with anger or disapproval. One raises his arm in a gesture of rejection, while the other grasps the central figures shoulder, propelling him forward. Their clothing suggests positions of authority within the community – perhaps elders or religious leaders. The artist has rendered them with a degree of severity, emphasizing their role as antagonists.
Behind these figures, several additional individuals are visible, seated and observing the scene. They appear less engaged in the immediate conflict, suggesting a wider audience witnessing this expulsion. Their postures range from attentive to indifferent, hinting at varying degrees of support or disapproval for the actions taking place. A scattering of scrolls lies on the floor near the entrance, possibly symbolizing the rejection of the central figures teachings or beliefs.
The architectural setting is defined by substantial columns that frame the scene and create a sense of depth. The background landscape, rendered in muted tones, provides a distant horizon line and introduces an element of spatial context. A faint, ethereal light seems to emanate from above, possibly signifying divine intervention or judgment.
Subtleties within the painting suggest themes of religious dissent, social exclusion, and the conflict between tradition and innovation. The central figure’s posture implies resilience in the face of adversity, while the expressions of those expelling him convey a rigid adherence to established norms. The scattered scrolls could be interpreted as representing discarded knowledge or a rejection of intellectual inquiry. Overall, the work explores complex dynamics within a community grappling with challenging ideas and individuals who challenge its authority.