Saint Sébastien (1857)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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More about this artwork
Edgar Degas' "Saint Sébastien" (1857) captures the poignant moment of the early Christian martyrdom through the delicate lines of a pencil sketch. This piece reflects Degas’ mastery in portraying human anatomy with sensitivity and finesse. Saint Sebastien is depicted here undone by his ordeal—arrows protrude from his torso, a testament to his faith and endurance.In this evocative sketch, Degas presents the saint not in agony, but in a state of ethereal grace, almost floating against the lightly toned background. The viewer's attention is drawn to the expressiveness of Sebastien’s posture and the gentle curve of his body, conveying both vulnerability and unwavering strength. This work, while simple in its monochrome palette, is rich in emotional depth, highlighting Degas' capability to transcend beyond the color and vivacity of his famed ballet scenes to something more introspective and somber.This early work by Degas, prior to his fame as an impressionist painter, showcases his classical training and his exploration of historical and religious themes, setting a foundation for the profound observational skills that would hallmark his later works.