RUBENS, Peter Paul
(b. 1577, Siegen, d. 1640, Antwerpen)

The Martyrdom of St Sebastian

c. 1608
Oil on canvas transferred from panel, 153 x 118 cm
Galleria Corsini, Rome

This picture reflects Rubens 's interest in classical sculpture, he transformed Sebastian's contorted and writhing body into that of a noble young warrior based on antique prototypes. Rubens painted this picture during his first trip to Rome in 1602, or a few years later after his return to the city in 1606-08.




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