Martyrdom of St Sebastian by Andrea Vaccaro Postcard

A dramatic and contemplative portrayal of The Martyrdom of St Sebastian by Andrea Vaccaro (1604–1670), a leading painter of the Neapolitan Baroque. Created around 1640 and measuring 130 × 102 cm, the work captures the tense moment just before the execution, when Sebastian—condemned by Emperor Diocletian—is tied to a stake and prepared to serve as a living target for archers. Vaccaro’s style reflects a synthesis of major artistic influences: the stark chiaroscuro of Caravaggio, the naturalism of Ribera, and the refined classicism of Guido Reni and Massimo Stanzione. The result is a serene yet powerful image where the saint’s illuminated body contrasts with the surrounding darkness, emphasizing both vulnerability and spiritual strength. This painting stands as a quintessential example of 17th‑century Neapolitan religious art, ideal for sacred art prints, museum‑style reproductions, devotional décor, and educational materials on Baroque painting.