The Great S. Sebastian 1514

Curator: Here we have Hans Baldung's "The Great S. Sebastian," currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The stark contrasts immediately draw the eye, creating a dramatic, almost theatrical scene. Curator: Baldung, working in the early 16th century, presents Saint Sebastian, not as a figure of serene martyrdom, but as a victim of brutal violence, reflecting the anxieties of his time. The putti around him appear less angelic than distressed. Editor: The composition is intriguing. The swirling clouds and the contorted figure of the saint create a sense of unease. Notice the use of line—thick and thin—to define form and shadow. Curator: Absolutely. Baldung leverages the print medium to explore themes of suffering and redemption, engaging with contemporary discussions about faith, plague, and the fragility of the human body. Editor: It is a powerful piece. I will be thinking about the artist's use of chiaroscuro for some time. Curator: Indeed. Baldung offers us a striking meditation on faith and mortality.