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Anthony van Dyck , Flemish, 1599-1641

Title

Study of a Naked Youth

Datec.1615-1618

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions

96.7 x 47.7 cm

Credit LinePurchased, 1886

Object numberNGI.275

DescriptionAlthough known as the most famous and influential portraitist of his time, Anthony van Dyck painted many religious works. Several of these date from his juvenile years, when he worked as an assistant to Peter Paul Rubens. Dating from Van Dyck's earliest years as an independent painter, this canvas is a study done after life of a model holding hands behind his back. A tree trunk is visible in the background. Van Dyck undoubtedly made this work in preparation for a larger depiction of St Sebastian. However, no paintings or drawings have survived that can be connected to it.

A Praetorian guard in the time of Diocletian, St Sebastian was a Christian in secret, but revealed his beliefs when two of his companions were condemned. As a result of his confession, Sebastian was also ordered to death. The martyr is usually represented tied to a tree, while his body is pierced with arrows. As none of his vital organs was damaged, St Sebastian survived, only to be beaten to death after his recovery.

(National Gallery of Ireland: Essential Guide, 2008)
ProvenanceProbably Peter Paul Rubens, Antwerp; Duke of Marlborough collection, Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, 1862; purchased at Christie's, London, 24 July 1886, Blenheim Palace sale, lot 16 Exhibition HistoryCentenary Exhibition, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin, October - December 1964

Van Dyck: Variations on the Theme of St. Sebastian, National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh, 1975

Anthony van Dyck, Sogo Museum of Art, Yokohama; Shizuoka Prefectural Museum of Art, Shizuoka; Museum of Art, Kintetsu, Osaka, 1990

Label TextThis early work by Van Dyck is a study from life, probably executed in preparation for a larger depiction of Saint Sebastian. No paintings have survived that related to it, however. A Praetorian guard in the time of Diocletian, Saint Sebastian was a Christian in secret, but revealed his beliefs when two of his companions were condemned. As a result of his confession, Sebastian was also sentenced to death. The martyr is usually represented tied to a tree while his body is pierced with arrows. As none of his vital organs were damaged, Saint Sebastian survived.