NICOLAS
RÉGNIER
The Martyrdom of St. Sebastian, ca. 1615 |
This Sebastian does not seem to be affected by the arrows (they do not even seem to enter his body, but rather disappear in the blackness behind him) ... Suffering is neither the subject of this painting, nor is it a blessed conjugation with God. Instead, we see the terrifying quintessence of a immensely vulnerable young man who could be anyone and anywhere in this world ... |