St. Sebastian (subject)

St. Sebastian was an early Christian martyr, recognized for his steadfast faith during the Roman Empire. He was a soldier who secretly converted to Christianity and helped others in their faith. When discovered, he was sentenced to death by archers, famously depicted in art with arrows piercing his body. Remarkably, he survived this punishment and later confronted the Roman Emperor, leading to his eventual execution. St. Sebastian is often seen as a symbol of perseverance and faith, and he is the patron saint of athletes and the plague, with his feast day celebrated on January 20.