Saints Stephen, James, and Peter

Three holy figures stand within decorated stone niches topped with shell motifs. Saint James on the left holds a long pilgrim's staff, Saint Stephen in the center holds a martyr's palm and a book, and Saint Peter on the right holds the keys to heaven. Small stones rest on Saint Stephen's head and shoulders, identifying him as the first Christian martyr.

Painted in 1493 Florence, this work reflects the high Renaissance integration of Christian subjects with classical architectural forms. Ghirlandaio was a central figure in the artistic circle of the Medici, who simultaneously funded the Neoplatonic Academy and the recovery of Hermetic texts by Marsilio Ficino.