St Margaret 1524

Ortolano painted St Margaret, some time in the early 16th century, on a large canvas. In Renaissance Italy, the image of a saint served a public role, as an exemplar of morality and piety. Margaret stands triumphant over a dragon and a pagan idol, symbols of the temptations she resisted. The architectural ruins in the background, along with the Roman soldiers, point to the historical setting of her martyrdom in the early Roman Empire, a moment of conflict between Christianity and paganism. The painting presents a vision of Christian triumph, but it may also prompt us to reflect on the social conditions that led to St Margaret's persecution. Through careful examination of period sources, historians uncover the complex interplay between religious belief, political power, and artistic representation, revealing the fascinating story behind this iconic image.