Lot 77: Felice Rizzi, called Felice Brusasorci or Brusasorzi , Verona 1539/40 - 1605 Saint Margaret of Antioch oil on slate

oil on slate

measurements note 52 by 43 cm.; 20 1/2 by 17 in.

The Christian martyr saint Margaret of Antioch was reputedly tortured after having refused to marry the prefect of Antioch. She was thrown into prison where Satan appeared to her in the form of a dragon. She was said to have been devoured but the cross she held caused the dragon to burst, and she emerged unharmed. She is shown here with her attribute - the dragon - which she tramples underfoot.

The attribution is due to Mr. Terence Mullaly, to whom we are grateful, following first hand inspection.