Heilige Sebastiaan c. 1506 - 1538

Albrecht Altdorfer's "Heilige Sebastiaan" is a small-scale engraving depicting the martyr Saint Sebastian tied to a column and pierced by arrows. Created between 1506 and 1538, the artwork is a testament to Altdorfer's mastery of detail. The meticulously rendered figure of Sebastian stands in stark contrast to the city in the background, suggesting the isolation of the saint's suffering. The scene, rendered in shades of gray, highlights the dramatic interplay of light and shadow, characteristic of Altdorfer's style. The use of cross-hatching in this engraving adds to the depth and texture of the image. This artwork is a powerful example of the artistic expression of religious themes in the early 16th century.