91 expression of light and shadow. There are many characters in the scene of the painting. Apart from the main character, St. Sebastian, we can see his executioners. They are situated very close to the suffering martyr. The tension of the scene is so great that one can have the impression as if it was seeping outside the painting. Thus the viewer is in close proximity to the characters, their cruelty and the pain of the tormented young man. What is happening in the painting becomes our world. We are a part of the painting, an extension of this brilliant canvas. Saint Sebastian is shown as a model of Christ. If it wasn’t for the arrows stuck in his body we could associate the illuminated body of Sebastian with the scene of the flagellation or the mocking of Jesus. The concept of presenting the saints at the time was showing them as faithful imitators of God’s Son – imitatio Christi. They were told to take on their cross like Christ, to undertake the passion like Him and to experience the pain of salvation. Sebastian’s body is very stiffened and as if shining. This strong glow is a symbol of the mystic presence of God. The martyr’s face can be hardly seen. It is hidden by hands tied above his head, it remains in the shadow.
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