The Beheading of Saint Margaret (?)

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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The small size and rectangular shape of this panel indicate that it once formed part of a predella – that is the lowest section of an altarpiece. Predellas usually illustrated events from the lives of the saints depicted in the main section of the altarpiece. The saint who is about to be beheaded here, for her Christian faith, has been identified as Saint Margaret of Antioch. This is on account of the cross-shape she has formed with her thumbs as she prays, which may refer to the legend that Saint Margaret fought off the devil – in the form of a dragon – by making the sign of the cross with her hands. Her legend also recounts that she asked to pray before her execution. Starnina, a Florentine painter, has chosen to show the moment at which the executioner is just about to strike.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

The Beheading of Saint Margaret (?)

Date

probably about 1409

Medium

Egg tempera on poplar

Measurements

H 42.3 x W 65.2 cm

Accession number

NG3926

Acquisition method

Mond Bequest, 1924

Work type

Painting

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The National Gallery, London

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