Saint Sébastien (1910)

We are delighted to present "Saint Sébastien," a profound masterpiece painted by Odilon Redon in 1910, currently showcased on our website. This painting captures the legendary figure of Saint Sebastian, a Christian saint and martyr, whose story has inspired countless artists through the ages.In Redon's rendition, we observe a distinctive, almost otherworldly portrayal of the saint. The figure of Saint Sebastian is depicted tied to a robust, reddish-brown tree, his body gracefully elongated and arched backward in a pose that conveys both suffering and resignation. His pale, almost luminous skin starkly contrasts with the dark, dense tree and the moody, atmospheric background, imbuing the scene with an ethereal quality.The absence of the traditional arrows, typically shown in depictions of Saint Sebastian, adds to the uniqueness of Redon's interpretation, focusing more on the saint's form and expression rather than the explicit violence of his martyrdom. The background, a mélange of colors and textures, combines elements of the terrestrial and the celestial, suggesting a transcendent dimension to the saint's suffering.Rich in symbolism and emotion, "Saint Sébastien" invites viewers to contemplate themes of resilience, faith, and transcendence through its mystical and evocative imagery.