Saint Sebastian

Master of the Furies

17th century · Ivory; kingwood socle · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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.

Artist

Master of the Furies

Date

17th century

Medium

Ivory; kingwood socle

Culture

Austrian, possibly Salzburg

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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