Gospel in Art: Saint Agatha, Virgin, Martyr

Portrait of Saint Agatha, by Cariani, 1517, Oil on canvas © National Galleries, Scotland

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 5 February 2025
Mark 6:1-6

At that time: Jesus came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, 'Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?' And they took offence at him. And Jesus said to them, 'A prophet is not without honour, except in his home town and among his relatives and in his own household.' And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.

Reflection on the painting

Saint Agatha of Sicily (c. 231-251 AD) was born into a noble Christian family in Catania, in the Roman Province of Sicily. Renowned for her beauty and piety, she committed herself to a life of consecrated virginity, dedicating her body and soul entirely to Christ. Her faith was put to the ultimate test under the persecution of Emperor Decius. A Roman official, Quintianus, enamoured by her beauty and wealth, sought to force her into marriage. When she refused, declaring that her only bridegroom was Christ, she was subjected to horrific torture. After being imprisoned, Agatha endured unspeakable cruelty, including the mutilation of her breasts, a torment she bore with remarkable courage. According to tradition, Saint Peter appeared to her in prison, healing her wounds and strengthening her spirit. Despite further tortures, Agatha remained steadfast, dying in 251 AD, aged just 20, becoming one of the earliest and most revered Christian martyrs.

One of the most beautiful and enduring stories associated with Saint Agatha occurred after her martyrdom. It is said that a year following her death, Mount Etna erupted violently, threatening to destroy her hometown of Catania. The faithful of the city rushed to her tomb, retrieved her veil, and held it aloft as they prayed for her intercession. Miraculously, the lava halted its advance, sparing the city from devastation. This event cemented Saint Agatha's reputation as a powerful protector, and she has since been venerated as the patron saint of Catania and those suffering from breast-related illnesses, such as cancer.

The Portrait of Saint Agatha by Cariani (Giovanni Busi), painted between 1516 and 1517, is a captivating depiction of the young martyr. The painting captures Saint Agatha with a serene yet resolute expression, embodying her steadfast faith in the face of suffering. She is adorned in rich garments, reflective of her wealthy, noble heritage, with a delicately painted veil hinting at her consecration to God. In her hands, she holds the symbols of her martyrdom, a platter with her severed breasts and a palm branch, the general symbol of martyrdom. Cariani has beautifully captured her as both a figure of human vulnerability and divine grace. The background displays views of Catania and the carved stony plinth in the foreground depicts scenes of Roman persecutions.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/mark-6-1-6-2025/