St. Sebastian, Bound to a Tree

St. Sebastian, Bound to a Tree

Bartholomaeus Spranger

1589

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This etching depicts a man bound to a tree, his arms raised above his head and his legs crossed at the ankles. He is clothed in a loincloth and a cloak that drapes over his left shoulder and around his waist. The man's face is contorted in a grimace, and his body is twisted in a way that suggests tension and strain. The background of the etching is composed of horizontal lines, which creates a sense of depth and texture. The overall effect of the image is one of drama and intensity, with the bound figure drawing the viewer's eye and evoking a sense of emotion. To learn more about the techniques used to create this etching, explore the world of etching.

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