Saint Sebastian 

Simon François created this representation of Saint Sebastian in the 17th century. He is depicted tied to a tree, pierced by arrows – symbols of divine punishment, yet also emblems of his endurance and faith. Consider how the arrow, as a symbol of both pain and spiritual transcendence, echoes through time. We see it in the Cupid’s arrow, inciting love, or in the arrows of Apollo, bringing plague. This duality reflects our subconscious grappling with suffering and salvation. Sebastian’s upward gaze transcends his physical torment, as he seeks divine intervention. This echoes the 'pathos formula', a visual language of suffering and emotion that recurs throughout art history, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. It links classical and Christian iconography, merging pagan concepts of heroism with Christian martyrdom. This potent symbol transcends eras, embodying human resilience, faith, and the eternal struggle between suffering and deliverance.