Artwork
St. Sebastian succoured by two angels
St. Sebastian succoured by two angels is an oil painting by Guercino. It dates from 1617 and is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum. St.
About this work
Overview
St. Sebastian succoured by two angels is a 1617 oil painting by Guercino, an Italian Baroque artist. Created early in his career, it exemplifies his naturalistic style.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts St. Sebastian, wounded and attended by two angels. The scene conveys a moment of divine care and comfort, highlighting the saint's suffering and the angels' ministrations.
Technique & Style
Guercino's use of chiaroscuro creates a dramatic effect, with strong contrasts between light and dark drawing attention to the central figures. The expressive handling of form and light is characteristic of his early work.
History & Provenance
The painting was created in 1617, a time when Guercino's vigorous naturalism was prominent. It is an example of his work from the early stages of his career.
Artist & collection
Artist
Giovanni Francesco Barbieri (8 February 1591 – 22 December 1666), better known as (il) Guercino (Italian pronunciation: ), was an Italian Baroque painter and draftsman from Cento in the Emilia region, who was active in Rome and Bologna.
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