15th century Saint Barbara
H-84cm
15th century Northern Spanish carved wood and polychrome carving of St. Barbara. She is depicted here in a crown, a common symbol of martyrdom in art of this period, holding the three windowed tower and a palm leaf which also signifies martyrdom
The story of Saint Barbara goes that she was the daughter of a wealthy pagan, Dioscorus, who was kept in a tower by her father after she converted to Christianity. Whilst her father was away she had three windows created in the tower in honour of the Holy Trinity. Upon his return, her father was enraged at this act and, after chasing and capturing her, sent for a judge to seek punishment against his daughter. Barbara was tortured but refused to give up her beliefs and so the judge ordered that her father was to execute her by beheading. Upon her execution her father was struck by lightening consumed by fire.
Saint Barbara stopped featuring in religious art after the 16th century as it was thought that she would symbolised young, female rebellion.
The story of Saint Barbara goes that she was the daughter of a wealthy pagan, Dioscorus, who was kept in a tower by her father after she converted to Christianity. Whilst her father was away she had three windows created in the tower in honour of the Holy Trinity. Upon his return, her father was enraged at this act and, after chasing and capturing her, sent for a judge to seek punishment against his daughter. Barbara was tortured but refused to give up her beliefs and so the judge ordered that her father was to execute her by beheading. Upon her execution her father was struck by lightening consumed by fire.
Saint Barbara stopped featuring in religious art after the 16th century as it was thought that she would symbolised young, female rebellion.
S00100
£4,800.00
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