Print Description
The central panel shows Saint Sebastian tied to a tree and shot with arrows, not killing him. The saint is surrounded by various smaller scenes and figures that might represent aspects of their life or martyrdom. At the bottom and the top, there are two coats of arms, suggesting the print may have been commissioned by a particular family or institution. Around the central figure, there are smaller vignettes filled with intricate details. The text below the image is in old Dutch, using Blackletter script, which was commonly used throughout Western Europe during the 15th and 16th centuries, a time when woodcuts were a popular form of illustration for religious texts and other publications. Such prints were often used to educate or convey religious stories and messages to the populace, many of whom were illiterate and would learn through visual depictions. The combination of text and image would make this print an effective tool for spreading religious narratives and teachings. But judging by the clothes of the drummers on the side, the print is likely to be from the (early) 17th century.
Made by an anonymous engraver/artist.
Medium: Woodcut on hand laid (verge) paper.
Sheet size: 31.7 x 40.8 cm (12.48 x 16.06 inch). Image size: 26.4 x 27.8 cm. (10.39 x 10.94 inch).
Condition: good, given age. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.
SAINT-SEBASTIAN-SHOT-ARROWS | PCO-E17-37
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Source: unknown, to be determined.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.