21 - Polychrome and gilded wooden figure depicting Saint Sebastian

Polychrome and gilded wooden figure depicting Saint Sebastian Southern Germany or Northern Italy, late 15th–early 16th century A polychrome and gilded wooden figure of Saint Sebastian Southern Germany or Northern Italy, late 15th–early 16th century Standing against an integrally carved wooden column, 126 cm high (49 1/2 in high) Footnotes: The Golden Legend by Jacobus de Voragine recounts that Sebastian, originally from Narbonne and a citizen of Milan, was appointed commander of the Praetorian Guard around 283 under Emperor Diocletian, despite his fervent Christian faith. After encouraging two Christian prisoners before their martyrdom, restoring a woman’s ability to speak, and converting numerous citizens, Sebastian was sentenced to death by Diocletian. He was tied to a column, and “the archers shot him until he was covered with arrows like a hedgehog is covered with quills.” Cared for by Saint Irene, he later appeared before the emperors Diocletian and Maximian and openly professed his faith. They then ordered him to be beaten to death and had his body thrown into the Cloaca Maxima, Rome’s main sewer. Saint Sebastian subsequently appeared in a dream to Saint Lucina, revealing where his body could be found. According to legend, he was buried in the catacombs alongside Saints Peter and Paul. The artist who painted this Saint Sebastian was likely influenced by Italian Quattrocento painting, particularly by Antonello da Messina’s (c. 1430–1479) celebrated painting of Saint Sebastian, created around 1478. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * * VAT on imported items at the preferential rate (currently 5.5%) on the hammer price and buyer’s premium for works of art, collectibles, and antiques if the item remains in the EU. VAT on imported items at the reduced rate (currently 5.5%) applied to the hammer price and buyer’s premium for works of art, collectibles, and antiques, provided the item remains within the European Union. For further information on this lot, please visit Bonhams.com