St Sebastian
Statue
first half of 16th century (made)
first half of 16th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This statue in walnut represents St Sebastian and its style suggests the Lombard region as its origin.
The legend goes that Saint Sebastian served in the imperial army of Diocletian as one of the latter's favourites. But when it was revealed that he was a Christian, Diocletian let him be tied to a tree and he was shot with arrows and left there to die. When a widow called Irene came to bury him, she discovered that no arrow had touched any vital parts of the body and she could heal him back to health. Sebastian then again confronted himself before Diocletian with his sins and was then beaten to death.
In this statue there are no arrows.
The legend goes that Saint Sebastian served in the imperial army of Diocletian as one of the latter's favourites. But when it was revealed that he was a Christian, Diocletian let him be tied to a tree and he was shot with arrows and left there to die. When a widow called Irene came to bury him, she discovered that no arrow had touched any vital parts of the body and she could heal him back to health. Sebastian then again confronted himself before Diocletian with his sins and was then beaten to death.
In this statue there are no arrows.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | St Sebastian (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Walnut |
| Brief description | Statue, walnut wood, St Sebastian, North Italy (Lombardy), first half of 16th century |
| Physical description | The figure of Saint Sebastian is represented on a deep circular base. His left arm is tied behind his back to a broken column, and his right forearm is raised. His head is turned slightly to his left, and his right knee is bent, the weight resting on the left leg. His loin-cloth flutters out behind. On the front of the pedestal is a blank shield with an embossed centre. |
| Dimensions |
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| Object history | From the Salting bequest. |
| Production | North Italy. Formerly ascribed to Caradosso. |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | This statue in walnut represents St Sebastian and its style suggests the Lombard region as its origin. The legend goes that Saint Sebastian served in the imperial army of Diocletian as one of the latter's favourites. But when it was revealed that he was a Christian, Diocletian let him be tied to a tree and he was shot with arrows and left there to die. When a widow called Irene came to bury him, she discovered that no arrow had touched any vital parts of the body and she could heal him back to health. Sebastian then again confronted himself before Diocletian with his sins and was then beaten to death. In this statue there are no arrows. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.73-1910 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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