Italian school. 16th - 17th century. Lot n° 40

Italian school. 16th - 17th century. 'Saint Apollonia' Oil on canvas glued to board. In our opinion, it is a fragment of a work that was originally larger. 50 x 37.5 cm. As reported in the 'Iconografía del Cristianismo' by Luis Monreal y Tejada, Apollonia was 'a virgin and martyr in Alexandria under the persecution of Decius. First her teeth were knocked out and then she died at the stake. Her characteristic attribute, in addition to the palm, consists of pincers and a grinding wheel. There are also some narrative scenes of her martyrdom and death.' All these elements (the bonfire, the palm, the tongs...) are attributes of martyrdom. Reference bibliography: Monreal, Luis. (2000). 'Iconografía del Cristianismo'. El Acantilado (pp. 195-196).