St. Agnes

St. Agnes (1620) by Domenichino

January 21st is St. Agnes' feast day. Saint Agnes was known for her steadfast faith and purity. According to tradition, she was condemned to death when she was 13yrs old during the Roman Empire's persecution of Christians. Despite various attempts to harm her, she miraculously remained unharmed until she was ultimately beheaded.

"St. Agnes" (1620) by Domenichino shows the Saint with a lamb, palm and crown, symbols of her purity and martyrdom. Domenichino studied with the Carraccis in Bologna and the painting is representative of the northern Italian Baroque style. The painting is housed in Kensington Palace in London.