Artwork

Saint Sebastian

Saint Sebastian, by German 15th Century, paint, 1480
Saint Sebastian, by German 15th Century, paint, 1480

Saint Sebastian is a paint print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1480 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This print, titled 'Saint Sebastian', is a metalcut work hand-colored in green, rose, and yellow. It depicts a scene in a wooded setting with three robed figures.

Subject & Meaning

The image shows a haloed figure, likely Saint Sebastian, shirtless and holding a staff, accompanied by two other men, one with a bearded face and a staff topped with a cross.

Technique & Style

The figures appear stiff and flat, characterized by sharp lines and minimal shading, reflecting the early stage of printmaking when techniques for creating depth were still developing.

Context

This work represents a period in art history when printmaking was emerging, preceding the advancements in depth and realism that would come during the Renaissance.

Artist & collection

Portrait of German 15th Century

Artist

German 15th Century

This 15th-century German artist carved vivid religious scenes into metal and wood, then hand-painted them in bright, symbolic colors.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.