The Martyrdom of St. Agnes
Unknown Artist
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.
1645-1655
Oil on panel
29.5 x 47.0cm
Images and text © Bowes Museum, 2017
Where you'll find this
The Bowes Museum
Permanent collection