Saint Sebastian tied to a tree and pierced with arrows

Art Historical Context

This engraving by the Master of the Die captures the dramatic martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, a third-century Christian saint often depicted bound to a tree and pierced by arrows. Created between 1530 and 1560, the work reflects the Renaissance fascination with classical forms and religious narratives, rendered here in a compact yet expressive format typical of the period’s devotional prints. As an engraving, the piece highlights the medium’s importance in the sixteenth century for spreading sacred imagery beyond church walls. The precise linework allows for intricate details in the saint’s suffering and the surrounding landscape, inviting viewers to contemplate themes of faith and resilience. Measuring just over eight inches tall, this intimate print was likely intended for private devotion or collectors. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Drawings and Prints department, the work forms part of the Elisha Whittelsey Collection. It offers a window into how Renaissance artists used printmaking to explore timeless stories of sacrifice and redemption.

About the Artist

Master of the Die · 1525–1560

**Master of the Die** (fl. 1525–1560) was an anonymous Italian engraver and printmaker active primarily in Rome during the mid-16th century. Named for the distinctive small die he used to sign his prints—a tiny emblematic mark that became his moniker—this elusive artist remains unidentified despite scholarly proposals linking him to figures like Benedetto Verino, Giovanni Francesco Zabello, Tommas...