Saint Sebastian

About this work

This etching depicts Saint Sebastian, a nude male figure with curly hair, seated on the ground with his right leg bent and left leg extended. He holds an arrow in his right hand, which is raised to his head, and another arrow protrudes from his left shoulder. A winged putto is visible in the upper left corner, holding a palm frond. In the background, a tree trunk and foliage are visible on the right side, while a body of water stretches out behind the saint. The overall atmosphere of the image is one of serene suffering. The artist's use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and dimensionality in the image. For more on the artistic techniques used in this etching, explore the technique of drypoint.