Ercole Ferrata
St. Agnes on the Pyre

1660-64
Marble, over life-size
High altar of Sant'Agnese in Agone, Rome

This late statue of St. Agnes omits her usual attributes, the lamb and the palm branch. The sculptor presents the moment when, according to the Golden Legend, she was cast into a great fire but feeling no pain commenced to address her prayer to God. A portrait painting of Agnes of somewhat earlier date has an image in the background with a very similar composition, the saint standing on the flames with her arms extended and her gaze lifted to Heaven.

St. Agnes's actual martyrdom followed immediately after the attempt to consume her by fire, when the provost's lieutenant stabbed her in the throat with a sword.

Read more about images of St. Agnes.

Source: Web Gallery of Art