Portrait of St Sebastian with an Arrow 1499

Albrecht Dürer's "Portrait of St. Sebastian with an Arrow," painted in 1499, showcases the artist's masterful portrayal of detail and realistic form. The painting, which is now housed in the Accademia Carrara in Bergamo, Italy, depicts the Christian saint Sebastian in a moment of contemplation. Sebastian, known for his martyrdom by arrow, appears stoic and resolute despite his suffering. Dürer’s use of light and shadow adds depth to the composition, highlighting the sitter's physical presence. The inclusion of a landscape behind Sebastian creates a sense of context and provides a glimpse into the Northern Renaissance style that characterized Dürer's work.