St. Sebastian - Terry Nelson 2011
acrylic on clayboard.
I finished the retouches to the panel, although it may not be noticeable to many. I detailed the entire composition. It is the best I can do.
A reader asked me why I paint Sebastian.
Years ago a very good priest whom I admire very much, told me in confession to choose a martyr patron to help me live chastely, explaining the martyrs are such powerful intercessors and protectors when it comes to freeing souls from bondage to sin. Since my youth I admired St. Sebastian since he seemed the perfect model for boys to emulate, a soldier with the appearance of an athlete, faithful to Christ amidst persecution and so on. I was intrigued that the saint endured two martyrdoms, as it were, almost killed by arrows, the saint survived to be bludgeoned to death.
If memory serves me, Sebastian was regarded as one of the Holy Helpers, as such his cult was popular throughout Europe. During the baroque period his image decorated just about every church. His cult spread throughout the New World and in modern times he continues to be venerated by many.
8 comments:
Three arrows - any symbolic meaning? I notice the same in your other paintings of this subject.
I do the 3 arrows for the three theological virtues, faith, hope, and charity.
Ah, thank you. I knew it had to have purpose.
I see the difference. The change, so subtle and so vast. It is now resolved. The joy of painting.
The painting is spoken for, but if it wasn't, I would have added an underwear edge for more modesty as well as crime scene tape around the trees. I wonder if the client will let me add that?
Your art never fails to uplift me. It has consistently eleated my mind and heart over the past few years. God has touched you and through you he touches me. Thank you.
I quite agree with Dante. Terry, there is also Sebastian from Brideshead...
Thanks again everyone - Dante I very much appreciate your words. God bless you.
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