Saint Margaret of Cortona c. late 17th century

This drawing depicts Saint Margaret of Cortona, her form rendered in delicate ink washes, and radiates with divine light. Her crossed hands, pressed against her breast, signal repentance, a gesture echoing across centuries. This posture harkens back to ancient votive figures, where supplicants offer themselves to the divine. We see it mirrored in countless images of saints and grieving Madonnas. The halo, a symbol of enlightenment, traces back to pagan sun deities, repurposed here to signify spiritual transcendence. Even the presence of the dog at her feet is a fascinating motif; a symbol of loyalty, it also hints at her past life as a sinner. This act of contrition has a psychological weight, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The motif of hands crossed over the chest is a visual echo chamber, revealing the enduring power of symbols across time.