St Sebastian 1558

Paolo Veronese’s “St Sebastian” (1558) is a fresco depicting the martyr Saint Sebastian, pierced with arrows, but miraculously still standing. The artist depicts St. Sebastian in a dramatic pose, leaning against a pillar with a pained expression. The depiction of the saint's suffering, combined with the vibrant colors and dramatic composition, creates a powerful and moving image. The fresco’s large scale and its inclusion in a larger cycle of paintings for a Venetian church, highlight the artist's mastery of fresco painting and his ability to create a sense of grandeur and drama. This painting exemplifies the Renaissance art style, characterized by its focus on realism, anatomy, and perspective.