Pieter van der Borcht (c. 1535-1608) (after) The Feast of Saint Sebastian. Circa 1600. Burin. 300x220mm. Wurzbach 11; New Hollstein 173. Very fine proof on thin laid paper (watermark: folie à sept pointes), carefully washed. Inscription in pen and sepia ink in the upper right-hand corner, slightly faded. Two slight traces of median oblique folds. Slightly missing or restored edges. Fine margins. St. Sebastian's feast, held on January 20 in northern European countries, was a religious festival, a community celebration and a time of popular jubilation, marking the winter calendar before the return of fine weather. Saint Sebastian was often invoked against plague and epidemics. Archery contests, races, cockfights and other popular games were organized. As with many winter festivals, bonfires were lit to mark the end of the long winter nights and celebrate the light.