Italian, Northern Italy
Saint Sebastian, about 1600
Alabaster, 44.7 x 13.5 x 8.6 cm (17 5/8 x 5 5/16 x 3 3/8 in.)
This is an alabaster stature of Saint Sebastian tied to a tree. The color of this smooth stone is predominantly tan with some cream. The tree behind the figure forms a V with the tops ending in two severed branches. Saint Sebastian has a youthful appearance with a full face and long wavy hair. His only piece of clothing is a thin loin cloth knotted at his right hip. The figure has ropes around his wrists. His left arm, our right, is raised against the tree with a bent elbow and open palm. His right arm, our left, is behind his back. Saint Sebastian’s body is turned towards the viewer, his head titled back and his eyes looking upward.
Raphael Room
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.