The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian c. 1620 - 1621

This is Jacob Jordaens' study for *The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian,* made in brown wash on paper. Jordaens was a leading Flemish Baroque painter during a time of intense religious and political conflict. His depiction of Saint Sebastian, a figure often associated with resilience and faith, is especially interesting. The study captures the moment before Sebastian's martyrdom, emphasizing the human drama of the event. His body is vulnerable, yet his gaze suggests an unwavering spirit. Saint Sebastian has long been a figure of both religious veneration and homoerotic desire. Jordaens lived in a society where religious identity and personal expression were often at odds. The artist navigates these tensions by focusing on the emotional and physical intensity of Sebastian's ordeal, inviting viewers to contemplate themes of sacrifice, devotion, and perhaps, unspoken desires. Jordaens asks us to consider the complexities of faith, identity, and representation during a tumultuous period in European history.