San Sebastiano (Saint Sebastian)

Saint Sebastian is a Christian martyr believed to have lived during the Roman Empire in the 3rd century. He was a soldier in the Roman army who secretly practiced Christianity, which was forbidden at his time. When his faith was discovered, he was sentenced to death, traditionally by being shot with arrows. Despite being wounded, he survived and later was publicly executed. Saint Sebastian is often depicted in art as a young man tied to a tree, pierced with arrows. He is considered a symbol of endurance and strength in overcoming persecution and is honored as a protector against plagues and illnesses.