What is the title of Rembrandt’s first known painting, dated 1625?

Rembrandt’s first known painting, dated 1625, is The Stoning of Saint Stephen.

The small history painting shows the Christian martyr Stephen being attacked by a crowd. It is generally regarded as Rembrandt’s earliest known surviving painting and bears the date 1625, when he was about nineteen years old. The work already displays strong contrasts of light and shadow and a crowded, emotionally charged composition.

The painting was made during Rembrandt’s early Leiden period. At that time he was developing his skills in biblical and historical subjects, often working alongside or in artistic dialogue with Jan Lievens. These early works helped establish the dramatic manner that later became central to Rembrandt’s reputation.

The Stoning of Saint Stephen should not be confused with Rembrandt’s later works depicting the Raising of the Cross or the Descent from the Cross. All three belong to Christian history painting, but they represent different episodes and dates.