Saint Sebastian 1466 - 1497

Francesco Botticini's "Saint Sebastian" (1466-1497) is a tempera on poplar wood panel painting, now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The piece depicts the saint, a popular subject in Renaissance art, tied to a tree and pierced by arrows. The scene's drama is heightened by the presence of a small, hovering angel offering a crown, representing Sebastian's heavenly reward. Botticini's detailed rendering and harmonious composition showcase the artistic mastery of the Florentine school, with its emphasis on realism and emotional impact. This piece is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the artistic expression of religious devotion during the Renaissance.