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21
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21. * A polychrome and giltwood wood figure of Saint Sebasti…
21
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21. * A polychrome and giltwood wood figure of Saint Sebasti…
Estimate €3,000 - €5,000
Voluntary lot
Description
21. * A polychrome and giltwood wood figure of Saint Sebastian
South German or North Italian, late 15th-early 16th century
Standing against an integrally carved wood column, 126cm high (49 1/2in high)
The Golden Legend by Jacobus de Voragine recounts that Sebastian, originally from Narbonne and a citizen of Milan, was appointed commander of the Praetorian Guard around 283 under the Emperor Diocletian, despite his fervent Christian faith. After encouraging two Christian prisoners before their martyrdom, restoring the power of speech to a woman, and converting numerous citizens, Sebastian was condemned to death by Diocletian. He was tied to a column, and "the archers struck him until he was covered with arrows like a hedgehog is covered with spines." Cared for by Saint Irene, he later appeared before the emperors Diocletian and Maximian and openly professed his faith. They then ordered him to be beaten to death and had his body thrown into the Cloaca Maxima, the main sewer of Rome. Saint Sebastian subsequently appeared in a dream to Saint Lucina, revealing where his body could be found. According to legend, he was buried in the catacombs alongside Saints Peter and Paul.
The author of our Saint Sebastian was probably influenced by Italian Quattrocento painting, particularly by Antonello da Messina's (c. 1430–1479) celebrated painting of Saint Sebastian, executed around 1478.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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