In this study of “The Stoning of Saint Stephen,” the late-Renaissance painter Aurelio Lomi captured the moment of Stephen’s martyrdom. Surrounded by an angry mob pelting him with stones, Stephen doesn’t shield himself. Instead, he’s in awe of all that is above him. He looks up to heaven, where he sees Christ standing next to God, who is seated on a throne. And Stephen makes a compassionate appeal to God, asking him for forgiveness—not for himself, but for the people persecuting him. The painting is bustling with action, yet it’s a beautifully rendered, harmonious scene. The main focus is Stephen, those stoning him, and the way that Stephen directs our attention to the heavens through his gaze and body language. In heaven, we can see the divine beings waiting to welcome him. On earth, we can see the turmoil of religious persecution: those who are actively harming Stephen, and then …