Saint Sebastian (Raphael)

Saint Sebastian is a painting by the Italian High Renaissance artist Raphael. It depicts Saint Sebastian, a Christian saint and martyr, tied to a tree and pierced with arrows.

The painting is believed to have been completed around 1501-1502, during Raphael's early Florentine period. There is some debate about the precise dating and attribution, as Raphael was still a young and developing artist at the time. Some scholars attribute elements of the work to his workshop or assistants.

The subject, Saint Sebastian, was a popular figure in Renaissance art, often invoked for protection against plague. He is depicted in a youthful and idealized manner, reflecting the aesthetic ideals of the period. The arrows, instruments of his attempted execution, are subtly placed, emphasizing his beauty and serene acceptance of martyrdom.

Currently, the painting is held in the Accademia Carrara in Bergamo, Italy. Its provenance has been traced through various private collections. It is considered a significant early work demonstrating Raphael's emerging mastery of composition, anatomy, and expression.