After Astolfo Petrazzi, Nude Saint Sebastian, 1630s, Oil Painting on Canvas, Framed

Details

Description

Saint sebastian

attributable to astolfo petrazzi (siena, 1583 - 1665)

oil on canvas

88 x 64 cm.
framed 98 x … Read more Saint sebastian

attributable to astolfo petrazzi (siena, 1583 - 1665)

oil on canvas

88 x 64 cm.
framed 98 x 76 cm.

full painting details (click here)

the painting in question depicts an intense full-length portrait of saint sebastian, immortalized at the moment of his martyrdom following the death sentence imposed on him by diocletian. The evident quality of the painting and its defining stylistic features suggest its authorship by a talented tuscan painter of the early 17th century, specifically astolfo petrazzi (siena, 1583 - 1665).

he trained in siena under francesco vanni, and also collaborated with ventura salimbeni and pietro sorri.

he was a highly talented artist with a highly distinctive pictorial style, successfully blending leonardo's influence with the sienese school and early mannerism. Our artist has masterfully reinterpreted his style here, especially his strong realism and the element of pathos, which would become one of the most characteristic elements of his stylistic imprint.

the attention to realistic facial features and emotions, the skillful use of light and shadow, and the profound knowledge and reinterpretation of models from italian renaissance painting are the characteristics we find in our beautiful saint sebastian.

the scene, far from the classical iconography of him suffering, pierced by arrows, instead portrays him in the moments immediately preceding his first martyrdom. The executioners or torturers prepare the saint, tied to a tree on the palatine hill, with part of the imperial palaces depicted in the background. One soldier tightens the bonds at his feet, and another ties his arms behind his back.

the emotional expression on his face is striking, with his open eyes turned upward, where an angel is offering him the crown, symbolizing the victory of faith over death, heralding heavenly glory.

the saint is idealized as a youthful beauty, revealing his state of ecstasy, conveying to the viewer an example of absolute devotion and faith, elevating him to a figure of spiritual triumph.

additional information:

the work comes with an antique frame, a certificate of authenticity, and a descriptive iconographic sheet. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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