The artwork, titled “Polyptych of San Vincenzo Ferreri,” was executed by the artist Giovanni Bellini between the years 1464 and 1468. This piece, crafted in the medium of tempera on panel, stands as a notable representation of the Early Renaissance art movement. Measuring 167 by 67 centimeters, the painting occupies a religious genre and forms part of the larger Polyptych series. Its current location is in the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, commonly known as San Zanipolo, situated in Venice, Italy.
The painting presents a striking portrayal of a male figure, Saint Sebastian, depicted standing upright, bound to a column. His near-naked form, modestly draped with a cloth, is accentuated by multiple arrows piercing his flesh, indicative of his martyrdom. The expression on his face is one of serene resignation, gazing upwards, possibly towards the heavens. The landscape in the backdrop features a distant city and rolling hills, adding depth and context to the scene. The detailed work exemplifies Bellini’s skill in rendering human anatomy and emotion, characteristic of the Early Renaissance style.
