Martyrium des hl. Sebastian,

um 1622/23

Material / Technology / Carrier

Leinwand

Dimensions of the object

199,9 x 150,6 cm

Displayed

AP OG Saal VI

Department

Flämische Malerei

Genre

Malerei

Inventory number

607

Acquisition

1806 aus der Galerie Düsseldorf

Stock

Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen - Alte Pinakothek München

Citation

Anthonis van Dyck, Martyrium des hl. Sebastian, um 1622/23, Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen - Alte Pinakothek München, URL: https://www.sammlung.pinakothek.de/en/artwork/RQ4XPl6410 (Last updated on 30.01.2023)

Unlike the earlier version (inv. no. 371), the events here are depicted more dramatically. The concentration of henchmen and soldiers in the right-hand half of the picture underlines the inescapability of the situation. The variety of motifs, including the grey horse with its furious mane, and also the streaks of light, contribute to a heightening of the scene’s dynamism. They draw on the paintings of Titian and Tintoretto, whose works Van Dyck studied closely while in Italy. Their influence is shown in the textural surfaces as well as in the delicate modelling of Sebastian’s skin.