Artwork
Saint Sebastian
Saint Sebastian is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Hans Baldung Grien. It dates from 1514 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The texture of the tree trunk and the folds of the saint's clothing are rendered with great care, giving the image a sense of realism.
This woodcut depicts a dramatic scene of Saint Sebastian, a Christian martyr, tied to a tree and pierced by arrows. The saint's body is contorted in agony, with his arms and legs bound by ropes. His face is twisted in a mixture of pain and determination. The background is filled with clouds and cherubs, adding a sense of heavenly intervention to the scene.
In the foreground, the artist has included a few subtle details that add depth to the image. The texture of the tree trunk and the folds of the saint's clothing are rendered with great care, giving the image a sense of realism.
If you're interested in learning more about the Renaissance movement, you might want to explore the works of Baldung Grien, Hans, who created this woodcut in 1514.
Overview
Saint Sebastian is a 1514 woodcut by Hans Baldung Grien, exemplifying his German Renaissance and Mannerist inclinations, honed under Albrecht Dürer’s tutelage.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts the Christian martyr Saint Sebastian in a state of agonized yet resolute suffering, bound to a tree and pierced by arrows, set against a backdrop of clouds and cherubs, symbolizing divine presence amidst mortal torment.
Technique & Style
Baldung’s expressive style is evident in the meticulous rendering of textures—the tree bark, the saint’s contorted clothing—and the dramatic, emotive portrayal of Sebastian’s face, blending realism with intense emotional depth.
History & Provenance
Part of Baldung Grien’s diverse oeuvre, which spanned prints, drawings, and stained glass, this work showcases his versatility across mediums within the early 16th-century German artistic landscape.
Context
Created during the German Renaissance, the piece reflects the era’s fascination with religious themes and the emerging Mannerist emphasis on emotional intensity and complex composition.
Artist & collection
Artist
Hans Baldung (1484 or 1485 – September 1545), called Hans Baldung Grien, (being an early nickname, because of his predilection for the colour green), was a painter, printer, engraver, draftsman, and stained glass…
