In this artwork, how is the Description discussed?
The artwork is made of traditional egg tempera paint and gold leaf on a wood panel.  The icon is almost three times smaller than the original.  The height is 59 cm (23.2 in) and the width is 39 cm (15.3 in).  The work of art is in very good condition and reconstructs Damaskinos’s slightly damaged painting.  Jerusalem is clearly visible in the background.  The Virgin Mary appears with her disciples supporting the martyr. Behind the Virgin Mary, three figures appear on a hill.  Another missing component in Damaskinos’s work is the figure of Christ in the heavens.  Christ sits on a cloud with an open book.  He is surrounded by angels.  The angels are prepared to reward the martyr.
The figures establish the middle ground.  The gold background distinguishes the work of art created for religious figures.  It was a sign of respect.There are slight variations between Damaskinos’s version and the Skoufos icon.  Saint Stephen is slightly centered.  Skoufos creates more space in the foreground.  To our right, the ground and landscape take up more space.  Skoufos slightly reduces the size of Saint Stephen.  He also creates more space for the other figures.  The military figures are clearly visible.  The main authoritative seated figure has an indifferent expression on his face.  The three soldiers are wearing lavish costumes with intricate ornamentation.  The artist creates spatial depth.  The anticipatory stance of the three stoning figures initiates tension within the scene.  The three figures holding stones demonstrate three-dimensionality.  The shield on the ground to our left is fuller and the landscape more visible.  The stones on the ground in front of Saint Stephen clearly establish the scene.
Skoufos tempera Saint Stephen Damaskinos