Two Women Annointing the Wounds of Saint Sebastian (recto); Study of a Nude Male Figure (verso) 1585 - 1644

This drawing by Giovanni Biliverti, created between 1585 and 1644, depicts the biblical story of Saint Sebastian. The drawing is in the style of Mannerism, a period of art marked by exaggerated and distorted forms. It shows Saint Sebastian, who was a Roman soldier, lying wounded after being pierced with arrows. Two women are depicted tending to his wounds. The drawing is made with graphite and ink, and is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City. The use of a grid overlay on the artwork suggests that it was a study for a larger painting.