"Saint Sebastian, Stone, End Of 15th Century."
Moving statue of Saint Sebastian in stone, sculpted in the round. France, probably Picardy, end of the 15th century. Height: 1.01 m. Martyred in Rome at the end of the 3rd century, he was commander of the Praetorian Guard under Diocletian. The emperor discovered that he was a Christian, had him arrested and condemned him to be pierced with arrows by two soldiers. Cared for by Irene, he then died stoned. He is a military saint, like Martin and Maurice, and his cult was immensely widespread in the Middle Ages. He is the third patron saint of Rome after Peter and Paul, and also patron saint of armourers. He is also invoked against the plague and epilepsy. The left arm is missing, a glued break at the start of the branch on the side.