Saint Agnes by Tricia Danby

Saint Agnes

Saint Agnes is a virgin martyr. It is said that Agnes of Rome lived from 291 until 304. She is the patron saint of chastity, gardeners, girls, engaged couples, rape victims, and virgins.

In art she is often depicted with a lamb, as her name resembles the Latin word for “lamb”, agnus.

According to tradition, Saint Agnes was a member of the Roman nobility born c. 291 and raised in a Christian family. She suffered martyrdom at the age of twelve2 or thirteen during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, on 21 January 304.

The ruling Prefect Sempronius wished Agnes to marry his son, and on her refusal he condemned Agnes to death.

As Roman law did not permit the execution of virgins, Sempronius had a naked Agnes dragged through the streets to a brothel.

Various versions of her death and what really might have happend arose. Whatever happened – she died through the sword, that is, through her throat being pierced (or in other text: beheaded).

Her feast is 21 January.

Faber-Castell Watercolour-Pencils “Albrecht Dürer”
watercolour paper 300g/m²

  As always I did draw her the way she revealed herself to me.