Marteldood van de H. Sebastiaan 1651 - 1652

This etching, titled "Marteldood van de H. Sebastiaan" (Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian) was created by Lucas (II) Vorsterman in 1651-1652. The artwork depicts the Christian saint Sebastian being shot with arrows, a popular theme in religious art. Vorsterman’s work is known for its detailed and realistic depiction of the human form, as seen in the muscular anatomy of Sebastian’s body. The composition, with Sebastian standing against a background of a tree and a distant landscape, uses light and shadow to create a dramatic and evocative scene. This artwork is part of the Rijksmuseum collection and is a fine example of 17th-century Dutch art, showcasing the skillful technique of etching and its ability to capture detail and emotion.