St. Sebastian Bound to the Column

St. Sebastian Bound to the Column is a significant early work by Albrecht Dürer German, 1471-1528, dating from the period 1494-1504. Executed as a refined engraving in black ink on ivory laid paper, this print demonstrates Dürer’s rapid mastery of the burin, establishing him as a leading figure in the development of graphic arts. The complexity of the fine lines and varied cross-hatching required for the technique underscores the meticulous precision he brought to the medium of the print.

The subject depicts Saint Sebastian, an early Christian martyr, shown dramatically tied to a classical column. Sebastian was traditionally invoked during times of widespread plague, making this religious subject particularly resonant in 15th and 16th-century Germany. Dürer’s treatment of the male nude emphasizes both the saint’s suffering and his heroic, classical physique, reflecting the rising influence of Italian Renaissance ideals on Northern European art. This piece belongs to a crucial decade in the artist's output, bridging the late Gothic style with a developing commitment to classical realism.

As a highly sought-after example of early modern graphic arts, this work showcases the detail and expressive power Dürer achieved in his small-scale output. It remains a crucial reference point for the study of prints from this era and is permanently held in the prestigious collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. This powerful depiction, now recognized as a public domain masterpiece, continues to inform studies of 16th-century German religious iconography.