Saint Barbara

Unknown

last quarter 18th century · Oil on canvas · The American Wing

The virgin martyr St. Barbara is lifted heavenward on a cloud, accompanied by pairs of putti and cherubim. In her outstretched right hand, she grasps a palm branch, a symbol of martyrdom. In her left hand, she holds a chalice and host. She is flanked by heaps of symbolic objects and attributes that contrast earthly riches and pleasures with the instruments of her torture and martyrdom. The landscape below the saint is the setting for two narrative vignettes and a sacred allegory. On the left is the martyrdom of St. Barbara at the hands of a turbaned executioner who is struck by lightning as he swings his sword. Behind them is the tower where, according to legend, Barbara was sequestered by her pagan father in an unsuccessful effort to keep her from both suitors and Christian proselytizers. The tower’s three windows, one of which Barbara caused to be added, make symbolic reference to the Trinity. On the opposite side of the canvas is a deathbead scene that almost certainly depicts St. Stanislaus Kostka receiving the Viaticum from an angel after invoking St. Barbara. The scene exemplifies St. Barbara’s role as patroness at the hour of death, intervening to assure that last sacraments are received. In the central scene, the Lamb of God (Agnus dei) stands on a mound at the center of an enclosed garden (hortus conclusus). The lamb bleeds into a chalice, which overflows in four streams (an allusion to the four rivers of Paradise) and irrigates the garden plots below. The phrase "Vinum germinare faciens Virgines," inscribed above the lamb, is taken from the prophecy of Zacharias (9:17): "For what is the good thing of him, and what is his beautiful thing, but the corn of the elect, and the wine springing forth virgins." The Eucharistic theme of the allegory is underscored by the inclusion of a small shell cartouche containing a depiction of the Last Supper.

Artist

Unknown

Date

last quarter 18th century

Medium

Oil on canvas

Culture

Ecuador (Quito)

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Gift of Warren Ming Tao Li, in honor of James Kung Wei Li and Julie Chu Lu Li, 2018