Youngs Antiques has dated this piece to the 17th Century.
Saint Agnes (291–304 C.E.) was a virgin martyr and saint of the Christian church. Also known as Saint Agnes of Rome and Saint Ines (or Santa Ynez), she is one of seven women, besides the Virgin Mary, commemorated by name in the Roman Missal.
Traditionally, Agnes was martyred for her faith during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian in the late third century C.E. However, some believe she may have died under Decius in a localized persecution half a century before this. The earliest (late fourth century) sources tell little of her life, other than that she was executed as a Christian at age 12 or 13. Later legends add that, before her death, she was forcibly taken to a house of prostitution to secure her dishonor before her martyrdom, but that her virginity was miraculously preserved by an angelic intervention. In like manner, her hair grew wondrously long to cover her nakedness from pagan onlookers at her death scene, and the fire meant to devour her refused to burn.
Youngs Antiques has dated this piece to the 17th Century.
Specialist in fine art and antiques.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Youngs Antiques Profile Page
Youngs Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA
A Late 17th Century Carved Figure Depicting Saint Agnes
