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Saint Sebastian
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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.
| Artist / Maker | Germany, early 17th century |
|---|---|
| Date | c. 1600–1620 |
| Culture / Origin | Germany, early 17th century |
| Medium | painted and gilded wood |
| Dimensions | Overall: 139.5 x 54.6 x 45.1 cm (54 15/16 x 21 1/2 x 17 3/4 in.) |
| Department | European Painting and Sculpture |
| Type | Sculpture |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
Shipping & Collection
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