The Martyrdom of St. Agnes

According to Jacobus de Voragine's Golden Legend, St Agnes refused to marry Licinius, the son of a prefect, declaring herself to be betrothed to Christ. The prefect ordered that she be stripped publicly and exposed as a prostitute. In this painting she is represented wearing the 'heavenly white dress' and long hair that, according to the Legend, miraculously covered her body during the ordeal. After this miracle, she was executed with a stab to the neck. The cherubs above are depicted delivering the crown of martyrdom.