San Sebastiano
Andrea del Sarto (Firenze, 1486 - Firenze, 1531) Bottega
Andrea del Sarto
(Florence, 1486 – Florence, 1531)
Workshop
Saint Sebastian
Oil on oval panel
69 x 90 cm.
In frame: 105 x 84 cm.
The Saint Sebastian depicted in this splendid painting faithfully reproduces, in great detail, the famous composition created in 1529 by the Florentine master Andrea del Sarto, originally conceived as an altarpiece for the Compagnia di San Sebastiano in Florence. The work is now known as ‘San Sebastiano Medici’ due to its historical association with the Medici family’s collection.
Unlike traditional 15th-century depictions, in which the saint is shown tied to a stake and pierced by numerous arrows, here his body is unharmed and shows no wounds, the focus being on a purely spiritual dimension.
The saint’s attributes are reduced to the bare essentials: two arrows in his right hand, held with grace, and the palmette of martyrdom in his left, which divide the pictorial space, drawing attention to the palpable ascetic tension of his face, with his eyes turned upwards in divine contemplation.
The saint is idealised in a youthful beauty, through which his state of ecstasy shines through, conveying to the viewer an example of absolute devotion and faith: his depiction transcends physical pain and elevates him to a figure of spiritual triumph.
The bare, hairless torso highlights taut, well-defined and classical musculature, emerging from the depths of the darkness below and illuminated by a raking light, typical of the anatomical studies of the High Renaissance and the Mannerist influences reminiscent of Michelangelo.
The light falls on the right shoulder and neck, creating a soft contrast with the shadow enveloping the left side of the body and the background – a stylistic device derived from Leonardo’s ‘sfumato’ technique, which Andrea del Sarto had mastered.
His gaze is fixed upwards, framed by a flowing head of curly hair, and his lean yet harmonious, almost ephebe-like nude, with a posture that is both proud and relaxed, evokes the image of Raphael’s David.
This is a work of great devotional impact, the composition of which is well-documented thanks to various contemporary copies and derivations of the highest quality, such as the one presented here.
The documented examples are as follows **:
(1) Andrea del Sarto (follower) – Saint Sebastian – Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen
(2) Andrea del Sarto (in the manner of) – Saint Sebastian – Spedale degli Innocenti, Florence
(3) Andrea del Sarto (workshop) – Saint Sebastian – Christie’s auction, London, 6 April 1984, lot 2
(4) Andrea del Sarto (circle) – Saint Sebastian – Oil on panel, 93.5 × 61 cm – Christie’s auction, Paris, 26 June 2002, lot 29
The evident quality of our painting suggests it is attributable to a talented painter from the Tuscan school who was unquestionably still active in the sixteenth century, and therefore a contemporary of Andrea del Sarto: this is not a later imitation but a work executed during the Master’s own lifetime, presumably by an artist associated with his prestigious workshop.
Although it is not easy to identify the hand of a particular artist within the master’s prolific school, the painting in question occupies a place of great prominence due to its noble Florentine craftsmanship, which is evident in the confidence of the drawing, the mastery of anatomical structure, the plasticity of the figure and the delicate, dreamlike quality of the saint’s expression—all of which make it a highly interesting work.
The attention to the realistic details of facial features and emotions, the skilful use of light and shadow, and the profound understanding and reinterpretation of the models of Italian Renaissance painting are the characteristics we find in this fine example.
**
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The painting comes with an attractive gilded frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
We arrange and organise the transport of purchased works, both within Italy and abroad, using professional, insured carriers.
Should you wish to view this or other works in person, we would be delighted to welcome you to our new gallery in Riva del Garda, at Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We look forward to seeing you!
Please contact us for any further information or to arrange a visit; we’ll be happy to assist you.
Follow us on: