Marble Sculpture Of Saint Sebastian, Italy, 18th Century

A full-relief marble sculpture depicting Saint Sebastian, from a Tuscan workshop, 18th century. The sculpture is based on the 15th-century prototype by Benedetto da Maiano (Florence, 1442–1497), left unfinished by its creator, completed by the workshop, and donated in 1558, in accordance with his will, to the Compagnia del Bargello; who in turn donated it in 1560 to the Church of the Misericordia in Florence, where it remains today. This work perfectly embodies Renaissance ideals, depicting the saint as a young man with an athletic and balanced physique, in which the sacred theme merges with the celebration of ideal beauty and male anatomy. The classical inspiration and Michelangelesque approach of the sculpture, as well as the refined neo-Hellenistic formal explorations evident in the tension of the body, influenced sculptors for centuries to come; particularly in the second half of the 18th century, when the excessive opulence of the Baroque and Rococo styles prompted artists to return to purity; the rediscovery of classical and 15th-century models (Renaissance and Humanism) gave rise to Neoclassicism. The sculpture is in excellent condition, shows no signs of restoration or breakage, and has a splendid original patina. Benedetto da Maiano San Sebastiano Dimensions H 31 cm Base L 7 cm Base D 8 cm