The artwork titled “St. Sebastian” was created by the celebrated French artist Eugene Delacroix in 1836. Executed in oil on canvas, this piece is a prime example of the Romantic movement, characterized by its vivid emotion and dramatic themes. The painting is of considerable size, with dimensions of 215 by 246 centimeters. As a religious painting, it depicts a scene centered on the Christian martyr St. Sebastian and reflects the spiritual and expressive qualities associated with Romanticism. Currently, the artwork holds a place of reverence at the Saint-Michel Church in Nantua, France.
In the artwork, St. Sebastian is portrayed in a state of collapse, with his body appearing limp and exhausted, suggesting the aftermath of his martyrdom. His near-naked form is reclined, with clear attention given to the anatomical detail and the impact of his suffering. Beside him, a figure in blue, likely Irene of Rome, is shown attending to his wounded body, symbolizing care and compassion amidst suffering. The presence of a third figure, a woman standing despondently in the background, adds to the scene’s emotional depth. The somber color palette and the loose, expressive brushwork common to Delacroix’s style enhance the overall sense of drama and pathos in the artwork, evoking the viewer’s empathy for the suffering saint.
