English
Deutsch
Artist
Peter Paul Rubens (aka Pieter Paul Rubens or Petrus Paulus Rubens), was born in Siegen presumably on June 28, 1577; he died on May 30, 1640 in Antwerpen. He was of Flemish origin and became one of the most famous Baroque artists.
Artwork
“The holy Sebastian” was created in 1618. It measures 128 x 200 cm (width x height).
Brief description
According to the legend, the Roman Kaiser Diocletian sentenced Sebastian, the officer of his guards and captain of the praetorian guards, to death around 228 after Christ. Sebastian cited himself as a Christian and apparently helped other Christians in distress. Sebastian was shot by archers but didn’t die. He was saved and cared for by holy Irene. After Sebastian’s health improved, he went back to Diocletian and announced yet again that he were Christian. Thereupon Sebastian was beaten to death in a circus. Peter Paul Rubens presents Sebastian’s first ordeal. We see Sebastian struck by arrows, while he suffers from pain. He is only dressed in a loincloth and is tied to a tree. The arrows are stuck deep into his flesh and blood is running out of his wounds. He is looking up at the sky. Rubens portrayed him to be young and strong. The arrows appear to not be hurting any important organs. One suspect that he will survive.
Genre & Material
Painting of the Baroque. Painted by use of oil on a canvas.
Where can I find this in Berlin?
In the Gemäldegalerie at the Kulturforum Potsdamer Platz, Matthäikirchplatz, 10785 Berlin. To find out how to get there, please click the link below the description
According to the legend, the Roman Kaiser Diocletian sentenced Sebastian, the officer of his guards and captain of the praetorian guards, to death around 228 after Christ. Sebastian cited himself as a Christian and apparently helped other Christians in distress. Sebastian was shot by archers but didn’t die. He was saved and cared for by holy Irene. After Sebastian’s health improved, he went back to Diocletian and announced yet again that he were Christian. Thereupon Sebastian was beaten to death in a circus. Peter Paul Rubens presents Sebastian’s first ordeal. We see Sebastian struck by arrows, while he suffers from pain. He is only dressed in a loincloth and is tied to a tree. The arrows are stuck deep into his flesh and blood is running out of his wounds. He is looking up at the sky. Rubens portrayed him to be young and strong. The arrows appear to not be hurting any important organs. One suspect that he will survive.
