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Saint Sebastian

Circle of Master of the Furies Austrian
17th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 520
The protector of plague victims and soldiers, Saint Sebastian was shot with arrows for converting Romans to Christianity. He is pictured here miraculously surviving his ordeal as an angel descends to bestow his laurel crown and release his wrists—still wrapped with rope—from the tree. Heightened by the pale ivory, the tears trickling from Sebastian’s eyes express his vulnerability. His righteous plight would have provoked compassion, but his naked body also allowed artists to explore the sensuality of the male form.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Saint Sebastian
  • Maker: Circle of Master of the Furies (Austrian)
  • Date: 17th century
  • Culture: Austrian, possibly Salzburg
  • Medium: Ivory; kingwood socle
  • Dimensions: Overall: 17 1/2 in. (44.5 cm) (without wooden socle)
  • Classification: Natural Substances-Ivory
  • Credit Line: Purchase, European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Fund, Walter and Leonore Annenberg Acquisitions Endowment Fund, and Mr. and Mrs. J. Tomilson Hill and Hester Diamond Gifts, 2013
  • Object Number: 2013.36
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Audio

Cover Image for 92. Saint Sebastian, Part 1

92. Saint Sebastian, Part 1

Gallery 551

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