Anthonis van Dyck
(1599-1641)
Martyrium des hl. Sebastian,
um 1620
Material / Technology / Carrier
Leinwand
Dimensions of the object
228,5 x 162 cm
Displayed
AP OG Saal VI
Acquisition
1799 aus der Galerie Mannheim
Stock
Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen - Alte Pinakothek München
Citation
Anthonis van Dyck, Martyrium des hl. Sebastian, um 1620, Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen - Alte Pinakothek München, URL: https://www.sammlung.pinakothek.de/en/artwork/8eGVDw1xWQ (Last updated on 28.08.2023)
On the orders of Emperor Diocletian, Sebastian—who was a devout Christian—was tied to a tree and shot by soldiers with arrows. As a divine sign he survived, only to be beaten to death later. In this picture the martyr’s unwavering Christian belief is emphasised in the contrast of his naked, vulnerable body and the haughty posture of the officer on horseback. The cool and pronounced local colouration suggests that Van Dyck painted this work before setting out for Italy.
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