(German)
Saint Sebastian
last quarter of the 15th century
gilded silver
3.63 x 1.63 x 0.5 in
9.21 x 4.13 x 1.27 cm
Arthur and Margaret Glasgow Fund
69.19
This small representation of Saint Sebastian functions as a reminder of the martyr’s life. Sebastian served Roman emperor Diocletian in the 3rd century, but he did not worship Diocletian’s idols; instead, he taught the Christian doctrine of love and forgiveness to the Roman people. When the emperor discovered this betrayal, he had Sebastian tied to a tree and shot repeatedly with arrows. After his body had been taken down, Saint Irene discovered him still alive and revived him. As a living example of the miracles of Christ, Saint Sebastian continued preaching Christianity until Diocletian had him stoned to death.
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