Sword and Spear

There are two iconographic devices that are infrequently associated with St. Sebastian--i.e., the sword and the spear--and both may be considered minor in importance. The sword is a symbol of martyrdom, and as such is applicable to every martyr--a generic symbol. In Buddhist and Hindu iconography, protective deities often carry offensive weapons to ward off the enemies of religion; so, too, in Christian iconography There is an apt Biblical reference to the sword. Ephesians 6:17 states: "Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God " to defend against the devil. The c. 1462 painting by Miguel Ximénez (See: Figure 191) illustrates St Sebastian in luxurious garb holding an arrow in his right hand, while a long sword hangs from his belt to his left.