Tree, Stake or Column

An associated iconographic device is the object or form to which the martyr-saint is tied. Three objects make their appearance over the centuries--i.e., a tree, a stake or a column. By sheer number, the tree predominates. An early painting of St. Sebastian by an anonymous Spanish from Salardu (XII-XIII cent) (See: Figure 174) indicates the martyr-saint tied to a tree. A similar representation is seen in the work of an Anonymous Swiss painter of (c. 1380) (See: Figure 175). Numerous other paintings of the "martyrdom" of St. Sebastian over the centuries show the martyr-saint tied to a tree. An early descriptions of St. Sebastian's life and martyrdom described him as being bound to a tree. In virtually every case the tree is represented without leaves, dead. This is a cogent reference to the cross upon which the Christ was crucified. Tradition states that the tree from which the cross was fashioned was dead as no living tree could be used for such a purpose--i.e., crucifying the Christ. The tree possesses potent meaning. Infrequently the Crucifixion of the Christ is shown on a tree rather than a cross. In addition, a number of early writings refer to the tree as the tree of Adam--i.e., that upon which the serpent offered the "apple." Therefore, the tree and/or the wood thereof, particularly when associated with the Crucifixion of the Christ, represents the expiation of sin. The association of the tree with St. Sebastian may be seen as part of the martyr-saint's role as patron of pestilence and/or death thereof. Further it is to be noted that a large majority of the trees represented in the Martyrdom of St. Sebastian are dead, or at least leafless.