Italian School; Saint Agatha, late 17th-early 18th century, oil on canvas

Description Saint Agatha Oil on canvas 71x93 cm The iconography confirms the identification with Saint Agatha, a Sicilian martyr from the 3rd century. Her canonical attributes: a plate with breasts, a symbol of her martyrdom; a palm frond, a testament to her unwavering faith; and a halo, indicating her sanctity. The Saint is depicted half-length, with her gaze directed upwards in an attitude of ecstasy or divine inspiration. She wears a blue garment with gold details and a red mantle, symbols of nobility and martyrdom. In one hand, she holds the palm frond, a classic attribute of Christian martyrdom, while the other hand supports a plate bearing two severed breasts, a clear reference to the martyrdom of Saint Agatha, whose breasts were amputated as punishment for her Christian faith. Italian School, possibly from the Genoese area, dating approximately to the late 17th-early 18th century. The work reflects a transition between Late Baroque and Rococo, albeit with strong references to 17th-century devotional painting. Dimensions 71x93 cm Provenance Private collection Condition Recently restored. Frame not coeval.