3-072-006 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Madonna and Child with Saints Sebastian, Paul and Martha (Acceptance of Saint Sebastian Into the Group of Holy Martyrs), 1st half of 18th century. Angel putting a martyr's crown on St Sebastian's head. Sebastian was a Roman soldier, hence the helmet and shield lying next to him; an arrow is stuck in the saint's leg, as arrows killed him. Saints accompany Sebastian's acceptance into the group of holy martyrs. They are Paul, reclining on a sword and a saint with a dragon holding a cross in her hand. On account of the monastic robe, it is to be assumed that she is Saint Martha and not Margaret of Antioch, whose attribute was also a dragon. On the right-hand side, on a pedestal, a marble figure of Christ is visible, Salvator Mundi (Saviour of the World). Over the group of saints, there is St Mary with the Baby Jesus sitting in the clouds surrounded by angels.