Dreams Less Sweet Antiques

Description

Antique limewood carving of Saint Sebastian. German.

Large, extremely detailed and high quality carving in the round, the martyr depicted tied to a tree trunk with arrows piercing the body.

Displays very impressively.

The sculptor has carved the date 1930 around the edge of the base.

Slight aging, but very good condition.

H: 69 × 19 × 18.5 cm.

Sebastian (c. AD 255 – c. AD 288) was an early Christian saint and martyr. According to traditional belief, he was killed during the Diocletianic Persecution of Christians. He was initially tied to a post or tree and shot with arrows, though this did not kill him. He was, according to tradition, rescued and healed by Irene of Rome, which became a popular subject in 17th-century painting. In all versions of the story, shortly after his recovery he went to Diocletian to warn him about his sins, and as a result was clubbed to death. He is venerated in the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church.

In art the saint is often depicted as a handsome semi-naked youth, his muscular bare torso pierced with arrows, he seemingly derives spiritual pleasure from his pain and martyrdom as a tortured soul.