Explore the Iconography about the Formal elements of this artwork.
Irene's curved form faces away from the lone tree in the background, distantly resembling a crucifixion, counterbalancing Sebastian's arching back and posterior. The opposition of these figures is also highlighted by an arrow that protrudes from his leg. Sebastian rests upon the most vivid object in the piece: a bright red fabric adorned in gold, often used symbolically by Caravaggisti like Ter Brugghen to symbolize the Blood of Christ and martyrdom. The tree in the background contrasts the thick tree of the group, its slender and seemingly flimsy form highlighting the tragic ambiance. The consistent use of groups of three, whether it be the three heads in a formation, the trio of the maid's hands and Sebastian's hand, the leaves of the distant forlorn tree in the background or simply the subject of three biblical figures is symbolic of the Holy Trinity.Ter Brugghen subtly imbues the association of the figures in this piece through both disparity and similarity of their hands. Sebastian's left hand, free of bondage, lies limp and obscured from view, symbolic of his unattainable relief from pain and lack of freedom. Irene's left hand rests on his chest, above his heart and provides support in a benevolent embrace, forming their relationship in the composition as one who tends to the other in suffering. The triangular form in the top left corner represents the connection between the maid and Sebastian; as Stechow describes it, "…the lifeless flesh of Sebastian's right hand yields to the pressure of the rope while the left hand of Irene's servant reacts to the same pressure with lively resilience."  The servant's right hand is pulling on the tight ropes on Sebastian's wrist, attempting to undo them. She touches her forefinger and thumb together, the same gesture Irene uses with her right hand to pull an arrow from Sebastian's lower torso. Together, these two women parallel each other in hand gesture and action, both trying to remove a source of Sebastian's pain.
right martyrdom crucifixion thumb Blood of Christ Caravaggisti Trinity Holy Trinity left Ter Brugghen