Saint Sébastien secouru par les Saintes Femmes

Saint Sebastian Succored by the Holy Women from 1621 is an early work, possibly misdated, related to Delacroix's engagement with religious martyrdom subjects. His treatment of suffering saints brings Romantic emotional intensity to traditional devotional themes. Delacroix executed the work with his characteristic broken, energetic brushwork and rich colorism, building up his surfaces in ways that directly influenced the Impressionists who studied his technique at the Louvre after his death.

The healing scene is rendered with dramatic lighting and warm palette. The handling of the ministering women creates a scene of compassionate care.