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The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, with three archers

ca. 1480–90
Not on view
This intriguing engraving, known only through this impression, has been associated with the Florentine school, in part due to its technique, midway between the fine and broad manners, and in part because its treatment of the subject recalls a painting by the Florentine artist Antonio Pollaiuolo. The words engraved on either side of the saint indicate that the print served a specific purpose: since Saint Sebastian's torments were associated with the arrows of pestilence, carrying his image with its incised prayer was intended to ward off plague.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, with three archers
  • Artist: Anonymous, Italian, Florentine, 15th century
  • Date: ca. 1480–90
  • Medium: Engraving
  • Dimensions: Plate: 9 1/4 × 5 13/16 in. (23.5 × 14.7 cm)
    Sheet: 11 7/16 × 8 3/16 in. (29 × 20.8 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1928
  • Object Number: 28.97.109
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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The Inferno according to Dante, after the Last Judgment fresco in the Campo Santo, Pisa, Anonymous, Italian, Florentine, 15th century Italian, Engraving, a later re-strike (possibly 19th century)
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ca. 1460–80
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The Judgment of Solomon
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Saint Jerome in penitence, with two ships in the harbor
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