Artwork
Rem-Altar: Martyrium des hl. Sebastian (Rückseite: Hl. Lukas)
Rem-Altar: Martyrium des hl. Sebastian (Rückseite: Hl. Lukas) is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Quinten Metsys. It dates from 1518 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The imagery centers on the saint's execution, a traditional narrative illustrating his endurance and faith through the specific iconography of his torture.
The work depicts the martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, serving as the primary subject of this religious panel painted in 1518. As indicated by its full title, the reverse side of the altarpiece features Saint Luke, creating a dual devotional focus within the single object. The imagery centers on the saint's execution, a traditional narrative illustrating his endurance and faith through the specific iconography of his torture.
This representation aligns with the broader genre of religious art produced by Quinten Metsys during the early 16th century, intended for liturgical or private veneration.
Technique & Style
Executed in 1518 by Quinten Metsys, this religious work is an oil painting created on a wooden panel. The composition depicts the martyrdom of Saint Sebastian on the obverse, with Saint Luke portrayed on the reverse side. Physically, the artwork measures 90 cm in height and 29.3 cm in width, indicating a tall, narrow format characteristic of altarpiece wings or specific devotional panels.
The use of oil paint on panel aligns with standard Netherlandish practices of the early sixteenth century for durable religious imagery.
History & Provenance
The Rem-Altar panel depicting the Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian on the front and Saint Luke on the reverse was created by Quinten Metsys in 1518. Executed in oil paint on panel, the work measures 90 cm in height and 29.3 cm in width. The piece is currently held within the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections, where it is displayed at the Alte Pinakothek.
The artwork functions as a religious object focusing on the martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, with the reverse side dedicated to Saint Luke.
Overview
This oil painting, created by Quentin Matsys in 1518, is a double-sided work featuring the martyrdom of Saint Sebastian on one side and Saint Luke on the other. It exemplifies the artistic style of the northern Renaissance and is now held in the Alte Pinakothek.
Artist & collection
Artist
Quentin Matsys (UK: MAT-sysse, US: MAHT-sysse; also Massys or Metsys; Flemish: Quinten Matsijs; 1466–1530) was a Flemish painter in the Early Netherlandish tradition.
The Good Thief (Saint Dismas)
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Christ with Crown of Thorns (Ecce Homo)
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Deposition
The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian
Crucifixion of Christ
The martyrdom of Saint Sebastian
Lamentation of Christ- Teile eines Altares: Martyrium des hl. Sebastian