Saint Sebastian — An Iconoclasm
A Different Image of Saint Sebastian In the Catholic Church, from its earliest centuries of establishment and growth in the West centered in Rome, the creation of icons (images) of saints became a significant part of the identity and veneration of the first faithful. One of the most notable examples of such iconic representation is the image of Saint Sebastian—the centurion tied to a tree, stripped of his armor, and pierced with arrows. This image has remained the primary representation of the saint for devotees, even up to the present day. However, this iconic representation also becomes limited. It highlights a specific aspect of Saint Sebastian’s life—his martyrdom—but often overlooks other important aspects, such as his efforts in spreading Christ’s gospel. The centrality of his image as a martyr has led to a narrower understanding of his entire persona. Saint Sebastian in Different Cultures In other parts of the world, such as Sri Lanka and Malta, alternative depictions of S...