Sebastian in polychrome wood from the 17th century

Representation of Saint Sebastian carved in the round on walnut and dating from the 17th century.
The Saint is shown standing, simply dressed in a drape, leaning against a tree trunk.
The facial expression is collected, treated with finesse and imbued with delicate softness. The long, wavy hair falls over the shoulders.
The body is sculpted in a slight "contrapposto" attitude where one of the two legs carries the weight of the body, the other being left free and slightly bent. This process, through the effect of the twisting of the body that it induces, makes it possible to give a more lively impression than that which would have been created by a fully frontal pose.
The iconography of Saint Sebastian has evolved over the centuries. Between the 7th and 8th centuries the Saint is represented as a man with the cross, the palm and the crown of glory. Later, in the Middle Ages, the image of a knight with bow and arrow was preferred. The most widespread representation today is that which prevailed during the Renaissance: a young man tied up and pierced with arrows.

Dimensions: H. 48.5 cm x L. 12 cm x D. 12 cm

France
Walnut
Remains of polychromy
17th century