Saint Sebastian

Saint Sebastian

Hans Baldung Grien

1514

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This woodcut depicts a dramatic scene of Saint Sebastian, a Christian martyr, tied to a tree and pierced by arrows. The saint's body is contorted in agony, with his arms and legs bound by ropes. His face is twisted in a mixture of pain and determination. The background is filled with clouds and cherubs, adding a sense of heavenly intervention to the scene. In the foreground, the artist has included a few subtle details that add depth to the image. The texture of the tree trunk and the folds of the saint's clothing are rendered with great care, giving the image a sense of realism. If you're interested in learning more about the Renaissance movement, you might want to explore the works of Baldung Grien, Hans, who created this woodcut in 1514.

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