Art Funded by you

Reliquary of St. Sebastian

Unknown artist, 1497

© V&A Picture Library

This reliquary was destined for America, when its export licence was temporarily deferred to give the museum time to raise the money for its purchase. It depicts St. Sebastian lashed to bare tree with his right arm bent at side, and his left arm raised. The relics are contained in a glazed panel. According to a Latin inscription on the base, it was commissioned by a monastery near Augsburg during a time when the monastery was suffering from plague. The Roman soldier, St Sebastian was frequently invoked as a protector against the plague.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Reliquary of St. Sebastian, 1497

Date supported

2001

Medium and material

Silver parcel gilt, pearl, sapphire, ruby

Dimensions

49.5 cm

Grant

282947

Total cost

1455536

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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