Artwork Page for Saint Sebastian

Details / Information for Saint Sebastian

Saint Sebastian

c. 1600–1620

Germany, early 17th century

Medium
painted and gilded wood
Measurements
Overall: 139.5 x 54.6 x 45.1 cm (54 15/16 x 21 1/2 x 17 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1980.41
Public Domain
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Location
214 Central and Northern European
Print

Description

An early Christian saint and martyr, Sebastian was condemned to death by the Roman emperor Diocletian. Bound to a tree and shot with arrows, he survived—only later to be martyred by beating. This figure embodies the blend of stylistic influences that characterized German sculpture in the early 1600s. The graceful pose and anatomical naturalism of the legs indicate the influence of Italian Mannerism, while the crisp, stylized patterns of Sebastian’s hair and loincloth recall German Gothic works from the 1400s. The tree to which Sebastian is bound is an actual branch, shaped and refined to its present appearance.
A painted and gilded wood sculpture depicts Saint Sebastian bound to a leafless tree. His body angles left, right arm tied behind his back and left arm raised. He wears a gold, rippling loincloth. Arrows pierce his muscular torso and limbs, and ropes bind his ankles. His dark hair features carved curls, framing a face with downcast eyes and an open mouth. Pale paint coats the figure, contrasting with the dark, gnarled branches.

Saint Sebastian

c. 1600–1620

Germany, early 17th century

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