The artwork titled “St. Sebastian at the Column” is a religious etching created by Albrecht Dürer in 1499. This piece is associated with the Northern Renaissance movement and is currently held in a private collection. The etching medium was utilized by Dürer to depict this religious scene.
The etching shows St. Sebastian, a Christian saint and martyr, bound to a column or post, suffering his punishment. The figure of St. Sebastian is rendered with delicate, precise lines that showcase Dürer’s masterful technique. As typical of the Northern Renaissance, there is a high degree of detail and a focus on the realistic portrayal of the human form. The saint is depicted with an almost serene expression, facing the viewer, while arrows pierce his body, symbolizing the torment he endured. The background includes architectural elements, perhaps indicating a remote location for his martyrdom, and hints of a landscape in the distance, which could symbolize the wilderness where Sebastian was left to die. Dürer’s monogram, “AD,” can be seen on the artwork, signifying his authorship.
