Who painted Saint Agnes?

Saint Agnes was painted by German 15th Century in 1450.

Where can I see Saint Agnes?

Saint Agnes is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Saint Agnes?

Saint Agnes is associated with Renaissance.

Saint Agnes by German 15th Century (1450) — Meaning & Museum

About this work

This painting is reminiscent of the work of German 15th Century artists, who were known for their detailed and expressive woodcuts.

The painting depicts a woman with long, wavy blonde hair, wearing a blue robe over a white dress with black dots. She has a red halo around her head and holds a green plant in her right hand. A lamb is at her feet, looking up at her. The woman's attire is detailed, with a red belt around her waist and a white head covering.

The background of the painting is a warm, orange-tan color, which complements the cool tones of the woman's blue robe. The overall effect is one of serenity and devotion.

This painting is reminiscent of the work of German 15th Century artists, who were known for their detailed and expressive woodcuts.

Overview

This hand‑colored woodcut portrays Saint Agnes, a youthful female figure with flowing blonde hair, dressed in a blue robe over a white, polka‑dotted gown. A red halo crowns her head, and she holds a green plant in her right hand while a small lamb rests at her feet, gazing upward. The composition is set against a warm orange‑tan background that balances the cooler tones of her attire.

Subject & Meaning

The saint is identified by her traditional attributes: the lamb, symbolising her purity and martyrdom, and the green plant, often interpreted as a reference to her virginity or a specific botanical emblem associated with her legend. The red halo denotes sanctity, and the overall serene pose conveys devotion and gentle piety.

Technique & Style

Executed as a woodcut, the image is printed on laid paper and subsequently hand‑colored with a palette of orange‑tan, green, light blue, gray, carmine and gold. The fine line work and intricate detailing reflect the influence of 15th‑century German printmakers, whose expressive woodcuts combined precise carving with vivid coloration.

History & Provenance

The work belongs to the tradition of early modern devotional prints, though its exact date and creator are not recorded. It has circulated among collectors of religious prints, and its hand‑coloring suggests it was intended for private contemplation rather than public display.

Context

Saint Agnes was a popular subject in medieval and Renaissance art, often depicted with a lamb as her attribute. This woodcut aligns with that iconography while incorporating the rich, multi‑colored approach typical of later Northern European print culture, bridging medieval symbolism with early modern aesthetic sensibilities.