One of several versions by Reni, Saint Sebastian reflects the demand for images of the saint due to his role as a protector against plague, but also to the story of his martyrdom which provided an appropriate setting for a male nude.
Although Reni’s painting was highly prized by our founders, it was catalogued in 1880 as by his workshop and in 1980 as a later copy. However, since its restoration it is now accepted as one of two autograph replicas by Reni after his original in the Prado, Madrid. The other replica is now in the Louvre.
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