This limewood panel was carved by Grinling Gibbons, one of the most renowned woodcarvers and sculptors active in England during the second half of the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. The panel shows the Stoning of St Stephen, the first Christian martyr. He was put to death after arousing the wrath of the legislative council in Jerusalem by his sermon arguing for the divinity of Christ (Acts of the Apostles 7: 2-56). Stephen was one of the first seven deacons appointed by the Apostles, and is here shown in simple robes, in contrast with the classical dress of those stoning him. He is looking up to Heaven at a vision of Christ. Here, the scene takes place whithin grand Italianate buildings. Many of the diminutive figures are in classical poses and groupings, and although Gibbons never went to Rome himself, such elements show that he was familiar with both High Renaissance Painting and antique sculpture.

The panel was conceived as a decorative object, designed to be displayed on a wall. In this respect, it was like the famous panel in the Pitti Palace, Florence, which was made by Gibbons as a diplomatic gift from Charles II to Cosimo de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany. Despite the biblical subject represented, it was probably intended for a secular context, rather than as a devotional piece. No record has survived of the commission for this piece and Gibbons may well have produced it for his own enjoyment, since the panel remained in the artist's possession until his death. It was probably included in the sale of his effects that took place shortly after his death in 1722 and bought at the sale by James Brydges, 1st Duke of Chandos, for his house at Cannons, Middlesex.

Grinling Gibbons (1648-1721) was born in Rotterdam, Holland and may have studied under Artus Quellinus I (1609-1668) before settling in England around 1667. He is famous for his intricate and virtuoso woodcarving, of which this piece is an outstanding example. He produced wood carvings and reliefs for royal and aristocratic patrons, such as the work carried out at Hampton Court, Windsor Castle and Petworth House, Sussex. His workshop also produced statuary and church monuments in stone and marble and statues cast in bronze.