En mandlig helgen vaskes og plejes af engle, mens han lytter til en kvindelig helgen, der sidder foran en læsepult og peger opad. Den Hl.Sebastian hos den Hl.Irene? 1669 - 1731

Bartolommeo Letterini created this drawing of Saint Sebastian being tended to by angels, while Saint Irene sits at a lectern, pointing upwards. Letterini was working in the late Baroque period in Italy. The time was marked by grand, theatrical displays of art that appealed to emotions and the senses. Here, the composition is intimate, focusing on the nurturing of Saint Sebastian. Usually portrayed during his martyrdom, instead, this drawing depicts a moment of reprieve. We see Saint Irene, who was known for her compassion, guiding Sebastian’s spiritual recovery, attended by angels in the background. It's unusual to see a female saint in a position of guidance; Irene's gesture indicates a path to healing through faith. This challenges conventional gender roles of the period, offering a narrative where female wisdom leads to salvation. Consider the emotional depth of this moment; it is quiet, and it is reflective, offering solace and hope.