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 11.09.2023)

Despite motivic correspondences, this version departs significantly from an earlier one devoted to the same saint (inv. no. 371). This is visible not just in the warm, dark-hued colour scheme, but in the painting style in particular: the streaky accents of light in the mane of the white horse and the rider’s garments are reminiscent of Venetian painting. During his stay in Italy, Van Dyck especially studied works by Titian and Tintoretto. ‘St Sebastian’ and ‘Susanna and the Elders’ (inv. no. 595) were both produced in Italy as commissions from the Flemish merchant Gaspar Roomer, a resident of Naples.