Saint Sebastian (recto); sketches of a male head and a standing figure in a short cape; a copy of the figure on the recto (verso) 1500 - 1549

This drawing of Saint Sebastian by Sodoma, also known as Giovanni Antonio Bazzi, dates from the early 16th century. Sodoma was a prominent figure of the High Renaissance in Siena, Italy. He is known for his graceful style and his ability to portray figures in a lifelike manner. This drawing, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, demonstrates his skill in depicting the human form and his interest in the classical tradition. The figure of Sebastian, bound to a tree and pierced with arrows, evokes the iconic imagery of the saint, often portrayed in Renaissance art. Sodoma's delicate use of line and shading creates a sense of both vulnerability and strength in this powerful image.