St Sebastian and the Women

1746 · Österreichische Galerie Belvedere, Vienna

religious

The cult of St Sebastian, who was probably a victim of Diocletian's persecution of the Christians, is documented in early Christian writings and has an unbroken tradition through to the 20th century. The scene Troger has chosen for his altarpiece refers to the legend that tells how Sebastian, Commander of the Praetorian Guard, was shot by archers on the orders of the emperor and later nursed back to health by the Christian Irene, widow of St Castulus the martyr. When he later continued to express his Christian faith, he was beaten to death, Troger's Sebastian is not the youthful hero of Baroque paintings.

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About the Artist

Paul Troger

1698 – 1762

Austrian painter, draughtsman and printmaker. Through his fresco-work and his draughtsmanship, which adapt a vast range of Italian influences, as well as his teaching, he is one of the foremost figures of 18th-century Austrian art. After a long study-tour to Italy he became the favourite fresco painter of the Lower Austrian monasteries. In 1754-57 he became the rector of the Academy in Vienna and he influenced many important painters of the next generation, such as Maulbertsch and Mildorfer.

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