Spanish school; second third of the XVI century.

Spanish school; second third of the XVI century.
"Saint Sebastian".
Carved and polychrome wood.
Presents restorations.
Measurements. 56 x 19 x 18 cm.
Hispanic carving in which stylistically a certain adherence to the canons of Berruguete can still be appreciated. This one appears enhanced by the hair, worked with symmetrical locks that undulate at the ends. This is a transitional piece towards the Renaissance, a period in which the theme of San Sebastian will know an important development.
Born in Gaul and raised in Milan, Sebastian was a centurion of the first cohort in the time of Emperor Diocletian (late 3rd - early 4th century). Denounced because he exhorted his friends Mark and Marcellinus to remain firm in their faith, by order of the emperor he was tied to a post in the center of the field of Mars, and served as a live target for the archers who assaulted him. But he did not die for it. The widow Irene, who wanted to raise his body for burial, noticed that he was still breathing, bandaged his wounds and saved his life. After his cure he reappeared before Diocletian to reproach him for his cruelty to the Christians. Then he was scourged, beaten to death in the circus and his corpse was thrown into the sewer Maximus.