The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian c.1530
Oil on panel | 51.4 x 39.3 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 405690
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This is one of a set of three illustrations of the life of St Sebastian (see also CW 5, 403037 and CW 6, 403038), which were acquired by Charles I as by Lucas van Leyden and have recently and hesistantly been attributed to Aertgen van Leyden, an obscure contemporary. In this scene Sebastian is tied to a tree and used as an archery target by the soldiers of the Emperor Diocletian, who watches. Two children use the occasion to practise with a toy bow. When this fails to kill the Saint he is dragged to the Emperor's palace and stoned to death, an episode visible in the right background.
Provenance
Purchased by Charles I from Sir James Palmer; recorded in the King's Chair Room at Whitehall in 1639 (no 20); the set of three sold for £101 to Wright on 21 May 1650 from St James's Palace (no 251); recovered at the Restoration and listed in the King's Dressing Room next to Paradise at Hampton Court in 1666 (no 35)
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Creator(s)
(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Oil on panel
Measurements
51.4 x 39.3 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
61.7 x 48.5 x 5.0 cm (frame, external)
Category
Object type(s)