What does Saint Sebastian have to do with graphics?!

Well first a little history...

Saint Sebastian is a Christian Saint who was tied to a post and shot with arrows and then clubbed to death for converting people to Christianity in the Roman Empire.

All in all, a pretty sad story. 

Saint Sebastian has also been depicted by many artists...

Perugino, San Sebastiano, 1495

St. Sebastian, Andrea Mantegna, 1480

And yes, these are both very beautiful, but what do they have to do with Graphic I hear you cry...

Well a 1968 cover of Esquire is the answer to that.

The Passion of Muhammad Ali, Esquire cover, 1968

This cover was designed by George Lois - an American design who has designed over 92 Esquire magazine covers. Taking inspiration from popular culture, films, modern and classic art as depicted here.

His reference to Saint Sebastian make Muhammad Ali Saint-like. The design is powerful and slightly humorous.

So there, here is a wonderful example of how to take a classical painting and make it relevant to modern day. How wonderful..