Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian c. 1450 - 1460

This engraving by Master ES, created around the mid-15th century, depicts the Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian. In the image, Sebastian, who was a Captain of the Roman guard, has been tied to a post and shot with arrows. The image is striking not only for its graphic depiction of violence but also for the emotional ambivalence it conveys. The archers are depicted as ordinary people, perhaps even reluctant participants in the execution, while the expressions of the figures surrounding the scene convey a mix of grief, horror, and resignation. The engraving reflects the complex social and religious dynamics of the late medieval period, and the emotional toll of persecution. This representation emphasizes the power of faith in the face of adversity, capturing the emotional intensity and physical suffering of the saint's ordeal. The piece invites reflection on themes of religious conviction, persecution, and the human capacity for both cruelty and compassion.