Image for St. Sebastian (sculpture by Gian Lorenzo Bernini)

St. Sebastian (sculpture by Gian Lorenzo Bernini)

Gian Lorenzo Bernini's sculpture of St. Sebastian captures the saint in a moment of intense emotional and physical pain, as he is pierced by arrows. The marble work masterfully conveys a sense of vulnerability, divine serenity, and suffering through detailed anatomy, expressive face, and dynamic posture. Bernini's skill in capturing movement and emotion transforms the stone into a vivid, almost alive depiction of martyrdom, emphasizing both the human suffering and the spiritual resilience of St. Sebastian. It exemplifies Baroque artistry, combining realism with dramatic expressiveness to evoke deep emotional engagement.