The talking stones

The relief on the left, leant against the ancient, tumbledown wall, recalls Marcus and Marcellian, the young men described as ‘children’ in the Legenda Aurea, who are converted to Christianity by Sebastian and subsequently give their lives as martyrs. Its vine-clad logo – ‘alta vita’ or ‘exalted life’ - refers to the commissioner of the painting, Jacobo Antonio Marcello.

The head above refers to a man converted by Sebastian and later beheaded. At Sebastian’s feet lie the remains of a statue of a Roman soldier: a head, a torso in armour and a foot in a sandal. Perhaps this is a play on Sebastian’s career with the Praetorian Guard which has just ended.

The loose stone in the wall on the left has a deep Christian meaning. Fully intact and demonstratively pushed forth, this cornerstone – ‘lapis angularis’ – is right next to Sebastian. Through his martyrdom the former soldier follows Jesus’ example.