Chapter II: Part 2

ST. CATHERINE of Bologna, Franciscan habit, veiled.
A. D. 1463. Mar. 9.
Called also _Santa Caterina
de’ Vigri_, a maid of honour
to Margaret d’Este, who
joined the Poor Clares and
became an abbess.

ST. CATHERINE of Siena, A. D. Dominican habit. Stigmata.
1380. April 30. Lily. Crown of thorns.

ST. CECILIA, A. D. 280. Nov. Crown of red and white roses.
22. Patron saint of music Organ. Musical instruments.
and musicians. Angel. Palm.
Scroll of music.

ST. CHARLEMAGNE, A. D. 814. Globe and cross. Three
Jan. 28. crowns embroidered on his
robe. In armour. Ermine
mantle.

ST. CHARLES BORROMEO, A. D. Cardinal’s robes. Barefooted.
1584. Nov. 4. Cardinal Rope around his neck.
and Archbishop of Milan.

ST. CHRISTINA, A. D. 295. Millstone. Arrows. Palm.
July 24. Patron saint of Crown. It is difficult to
Bolsena and Venice. distinguish this saint from
St. Ursula when she bears
the arrow only.

ST. CHRISTOPHER, A. D. 364. Huge staff. Christ-Child on
July 25. Patron saint his shoulders. Ankle deep
against fire, earthquake, in water. Lantern. Monk
tempests, floods, and accidents. in background.

ST. CLARA, A. D. 1253. Aug. Lily. Cross. Pyx. Franciscan
12. Founder of the Poor habit and black veil.
Clares, Franciscan nuns.

ST. CLEMENT, A. D. 100. Pope’s or Bishop’s robes. Anchor
Nov. 23. Third Bishop of in hand or suspended
Rome. around his neck.

ST. CLOTILDA, A. D. 534. Royal robes, long white veil
June 3. Princess of Burgundy and jewelled crown. Angel
and wife of Clovis, holding shield bearing three
King of France. In a vision _fleur-de-lys_.
an angel brought her three
lilies, and from this the arms
of France were changed from
three toads (_crapauds_) to the
_fleur-de-lys_. She is said to
have christianised France.

ST. CLOUD, A. D. 560. Sept. Benedictine habit. Crown at
7. Grandson of St. Clotilda. feet.

ST. CONSTANTINE, Emperor, Dressed as Roman emperor
A. D. 335. or warrior, holding _labarum_
or standard of the cross.

SS. COSMO and DAMIAN, A. D. Two men in red robes. Box
301. Sept. 27. Patron saints of ointment. Surgical
of the Medici, and the medical instruments.
profession.

ST. COSTANZO, second century. He is found with SANT’ ERCOLANO
Bishop of Perugia, in pictures of the
suffered martyrdom under Umbrian school.
Marcus Aurelius.

SS. CRISPIN and CRISPIANUS, Awl, or shoemaker’s knife.
A. D. 300. Oct. 25. Patron Palm. Two saints together.
saints of Soissons. Shoemakers
who made shoes
for the poor without reward,
angels supplying them with
leather. They went from
Rome with St. Denis to
preach the Gospel in France.

ST. CUNEGUNDA, A. D. 1040. Walking over ploughshares.
Mar. 3. Wife of St. Henry Church in her hand. Royal
of Bavaria, her story is robes.
popular in German poetry
and art.

ST. CUTHBERT, A. D. 687. Bishop’s robes. Otter.
March 20. Crowned head of King
Oswald in his arms.

ST. CYPRIAN, A. D. 258. Palm. Mitre at his feet.
Sept. 16. Bishop of Carthage.
Suffered martyrdom
under Valerian.

ST. CYPRIAN and ST. JUSTINA When represented together he
of Antioch, A. D. 304. wears the habit of a Greek
Sept. 26. St. Cyprian, a bishop (without mitre).
great magician, became Palm. Sword. Trampling
converted through his love his magical books under
for St. Justina and they his feet. She holds the
suffered martyrdom together palm, and the unicorn, symbol
in the reign of of chastity, crouches at
Diocletian. her feet.

ST. CYRIL of Alexandria, A. D. The only Greek bishop
444. Jan. 28. Patriarch of represented with his head
Alexandria and sometimes covered.
a fifth in pictures of the
Four Greek Fathers. His
name has been connected
with the murder of Hypatia,
which was committed by
his followers in a church.

ST. DENIS of France (ST. Bishop’s robes. Carrying his
DIONYSIUS the Areopagite). head in his hand.
Bishop of Paris in the third
century and patron saint
of France. The legends
confuse this saint with
Dionysius, the convert of St.
Paul, and he is thus universally
represented in art. St.
Denis was beheaded in
Paris, and taking his head
in his hand, he walked
two miles with it to a
place now called Montmartre.

ST. DOMINICK, A. D. 1221. Dominican habit. Dog with
Aug. 4. Founder of the torch in its mouth. Lily.
Order of Dominicans, or Star on forehead. Book.
Preaching Friars. Rosary.

ST. DOROTHEA of Cappadocia, Roses in her hand or crowned
A. D. 303. Feb. 6. Was with roses. Angel with
noted for her beauty and basket containing three apples
piety. At the time of the and three roses. Palm.
persecution she refused to Sometimes crown as martyr.
sacrifice to idols and was
imprisoned and condemned
to be beheaded. As she
went to execution, a young
man named Theophilus,
mocking her, asked for
flowers and fruit from the
garden to which she was
going. After her death,
a heavenly messenger appeared
to Theophilus bearing
three roses and three
apples, and telling him Dorothea
awaited him in the
garden. Theophilus then
was converted, and also
suffered martyrdom.

ST. DUNSTAN, A. D. 988.
May 19. A monk of Glastonbury
who became a favourite
of King Athelstan and was
made Archbishop of Canterbury
in the reign of Edgar.

ST. EDMUND, King and Martyr, Royal robes. Wolf. Arrow
A. D. 870. Nov. 20. in his hand.
King of East Anglia and
patron saint of Bury St.
Edmunds.

ST. EDWARD the Confessor, Royal robes. Ring. Sceptre
A. D. 1066. Jan. 5. surmounted by a dove.

ST. ELIZABETH, mother of St.
John the Baptist.

ST. ELIZABETH of Hungary, A lapful of red and white
A. D. 1231. Nov. 19. roses, symbols of love and
Famed for her beauty, sweetness, purity. Royal attire or
and charity. Franciscan habit. Cripple
or beggar at her feet.
Sometimes three crowns.

ST. ELOY (_Ital._ SANT’ ALÒ, Bishop’s robes. Crozier.
or LÒ, SANT’ ELIGIO), A. D. Book. Blacksmith’s tools.
659. Dec. 1. Patron saint Blacksmith with anvil,
of Bologna and Noyon; of hammer, tongs, and bellows.
goldsmiths, locksmiths,
blacksmiths, and all workers
in metals; of horses and
farriers.

ST. ERASMUS or ELMO, A. D. Aged. Bishop’s robes. Small
296. June 3. Invoked by wheel in his hand. Candle
the sailors of the Mediterranean on his head or in his hand.
against storms and
tempests. Suffered martyrdom
under Diocletian.

ST. ERCOLANA, A. D. 546. Found with St. Costanzo in
Bishop of Perugia. He was Umbrian pictures.
beheaded by the Goths.

ST. ETHELDREDA, A. D. 679.
June 23. Founded the
Cathedral and Monastery
of Ely.

ST. EUPHEMIA, A. D. 307. Lily. Sword. Palm. Lion
Sept. 16. One of the early at her side.
Greek martyrs.

ST. EUSTACE, A. D. 118. In armour. Stag with crucifix
Sept. 20. An officer under between its horns.
the Emperor Trajan to
whom Christ appeared in
the form of a white stag.

SAN FAUSTINO and SAN GIOVITA Pictures of these two saints
(Faustinus et Jovita), with St. Apollonius represent
A. D. 119. Feb. 15. Two the latter in bishop’s
brothers who were converts robes, the two brothers
of St. Apollonius and were dressed as deacons.
beheaded at Brescia.

ST. FELICITAS, A. D. 173. Palm. Veiled. Accompanied
Nov. 23. A Roman matron by her seven sons.
of great wealth, who with
her seven sons suffered
martyrdom in the reign of
Marcus Aurelius.

ST. FELIX DE CANTALICIO, Dark brown habit, peaked
A. D. 1587. May 8. The hood and girdle. Beggar’s
first saint of the Order of wallet with two ends like
the Capuccini. He spent a purse slung over his
forty-five years in begging shoulder.
for his convent.

ST. FERDINAND of Castile, In complete armour. Crown.
A. D. 1152. May 30. Sword. Sometimes holding
the orb of sovereignty.

ST. FILOMENA, A. D. 303. Lily. Javelin with the point
Aug. 10. reversed. Palm.

ST. FINA, A. D. 1253. Mar.
12. Patron saint of San
Gimignano.

ST. FLORIAN, May 4. One of Rarely seen in Italian art,
the eight tutelar saints of but is frequently found in
Austria. old German prints and
pictures. In armour. Sometimes
painted on the outside
of houses in Bohemia
throwing water from a
pitcher or bucket on a house
in flames. Millstone.

ST. FRANCESCA ROMANA, A. D. Benedictine habit. Angel
1440. Mar. 9. The great holding book.
female saint of the Order
of the Olivetani.

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI, A. D. Franciscan habit. Stigmata.
1226. Oct. 4. Lamb. Lily. Skull.
Crucifix.

ST. FRANCIS BORGIA, A. D.
1572. Oct. 11. Third great
saint of the Jesuit Order.

ST. FRANCIS DE PAULE, A. D. Old, grey beard. Staff.
1508. April 2. Founder Franciscan habit, with short
of the Minimes, a reformed scapulary.
order of Franciscans.

ST. FRANCIS DE SALES, A. D. Episcopal cope. Bareheaded.
1622. Jan. 29. Joint A heart pierced.
founder with St. Jeanne de
Chantal of the Order of
Visitation of St. Mary.

ST. FRANCIS XAVIER, A. D. Surplice over black habit.
1552. Dec. 3. Patron Crucifix. Lily.
saint and apostle of India.
Friend and associate of
Ignatius Loyola.

ST. FREDIANO of Lucca, A. D. Bishop’s robes. Harrow.
560. Patron saint of Lucca.

ST. GABRIEL. The second of Lily. Sceptre. Scroll.
the archangels.

ST. GAUDENZIO, A. D. 359.
Oct. 14. Bishop and patron
saint of Rimini. He was
scourged, then stoned to
death by the Arians.

ST. GEMINIANUS, A. D. 450. Bishop’s robes. Model of
Bishop and patron saint of city or cathedral in his
Modena. hand.

ST. GENEVIÈVE of Paris, A. D. Veiled. Lighted taper. Demon
509. Jan. 3. holding pair of bellows.
Sheep. Distaff. Spindle.
Book. Basket of provisions
or holding loaf of bread.

ST. GEORGE, A. D. 303. April In armour. Dragon at his
23. Patron saint of England, feet. Lance. Standard.
Germany, Venice, soldiers Palm.
and armourers.

ST. GERVASIUS and ST. PROTASIUS,
A. D. 69. June 19.
(_See St. Ambrose._)

ST. GILES (_Lat._ Sanctus Egidius, Old. Benedictine habit.
_Ital._ Sant’ Egidio, Fr. Hind pierced by an arrow
St. Gilles or Gil), A. D. in his arms or at his feet.
725. Sept. 1. Patron saint
of Edinburgh, of woods,
lepers, beggars, and cripples.
A hermit who lived in a
cave near Nismes. A hind,
that had fled to his cave
from the hunters and their
dogs, was pierced by an
arrow in his arms.

ST. GRATA, A. D. 300. These saints are constantly
Sept. 4. Daughter of St. represented in pictures
Lupo, Duke of Bergamo, painted by the Bergamo
and St. Adelaide his wife, artists, ST. ALEXANDER as
both of whom she converted. a Roman soldier bearing
When St. Alexander, one the palm, ST. GRATA carrying
of the Theban Legion, was the head of St. Alexander,
beheaded, she wrapped the ST. LUPO wearing a
head in fine linen and crown, ST. ADELAIDE a
reverently buried his remains. crown and long veil.

ST. GREGORY the Great, A. D. Dove on his shoulder or close
604. March 12. One of to his ear. Papal tiara.
the Four Latin Fathers. Crozier with double cross.
Book.
ST. GREGORY NANZIANZEN,
A. D. 390. May 9. One
of the Four Greek Fathers
of the Church.

ST. GUDULA, A. D. 712. Jan. Demon trying to blow out a
8. Patron saint of Brussels. lantern. Often confounded
with St. Geneviève of Paris.

ST. HELENA, A. D. 328. Aug. Royal robes. Crowned. Very
18. Is generally admitted large cross.
to have been a British
princess, who married Constantius
Chlorus and became
the mother of Constantine
the Great. It was she who
discovered the true cross.

ST. HENRY of Bavaria, A. D. In armour. Crowned. Sword.
1024. July 14. Emperor Orb of sovereignty. Holding
of Germany and husband in hand Cathedral of
of St. Cunegunda. Bamberg.

ST. HILARY (_Ital._ Sant’ Bishop’s robes. Reading the
Ilario), A. D. 363. Jan. Gospel.
13. Patron saint of Parma.

ST. HILDA, A. D. 680. Nov.
17. Abbess of Whitby.

ST. HIPPOLYTUS, A. D. 258. Often represented as jailer of
Aug. 13. Patron saint of St. Laurence, with bunch
horses. He was the jailer of keys. In armour. Sometimes
of St. Laurence, who became iron comb, or bound
converted and suffered martyrdom to horses.
by being tied to the
tails of wild horses and
dashed to pieces.

ST. HUBERT of Liège, A. D. Stag with crucifix between
727. Nov. 3. Patron saint its horns. Bishop’s robes.
of the chase and of dogs. Hunting horn. Book.
Sometimes in hunter’s
dress.

ST. HUGH of Grenoble, A. D.
1132. April 1. Bishop of
Grenoble. He gave to
St. Bruno the land on which
was built the “Grande
Chartreuse.”

ST. HUMILITY or UMILTÀ,
A. D. 1310. Founder of the
Order of Vallombrosan nuns.

ST. HYACINTH, A. D. 1257. Dominican habit. Crucifix.
Aug. 15. Pyx.

ST. IGNATIUS of Antioch, A. D.
107. Feb. 1. Thought to
have been the little child
whom Jesus “set in the
midst” and said “of such is
the Kingdom of Heaven.”
He and his friend St.
Polycarp were disciples of
St. John the Evangelist.

ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA, A. D. I. H. S. in the skies. Sometimes
1556. July 31. Founder on a tablet borne by
of the Order of Jesuits. angels. Heart crowned
with thorns.

ST. ILDEFONSO or ALPHONSO, Famous in Spanish art. Kneeling
A. D. 667. Jan. 23. A before the Virgin, while
Benedictine monk who two angels arrange the
became Archbishop of Toledo. sacred vestment.
He wrote a book
defending the perpetual
virginity of the Blessed
Virgin, and the Virgin appeared
to him in a vision
and with two angels invested
him in a wonderful chasuble.

ST. ISABELLA of France, A. D. Franciscan habit. Distributing
1270. Aug. 31. Sister of alms or food to the poor.
St. Louis and founder of
the great convent of Longchamps,
a community of
Poor Clares.

ST. ISIDORE the Ploughman, Labourer’s dress. Spade.
A. D. 1170. May 10. Patron Angel ploughing in background.
saint of Madrid and of
agriculture.

ST. IVES or YVO of Bretagne Judge. Franciscan cord.
(_Ital._ Sant’ IVO), A. D. 1303. Furred robe. Sometimes
May 19. Patron saint of all surrounded by widows and
lawyers in Europe. orphans.

ST. JAMES the Great. Apostle Cloak. Pilgrim’s staff.
and Martyr, A. D. 44. Wallet and shell.
July 25. Patron saint of
Spain.

ST. JAMES MINOR. Apostle Fuller’s club.
and Martyr. May 1.

ST. JANUARIUS, A. D. 303. Bishop’s robes. Palm. Mt.
Sept. 19. Patron saint of Vesuvius in background.
Naples. Protector against
eruptions of Mt. Vesuvius.

ST. JEROME, A. D. 420. Lion. Cardinal’s hat. Books.
Sept. 30. One of the Four Skull. Church in hand.
Latin Fathers, patron saint
of scholars and theologians.

ST. JOACHIM. March 20.
Husband of St. Anne and
father of the Virgin Mary.

ST. JOHN the Baptist. June Reed cross. Scroll. Lamb.
24. Patron saint of Florence Camel’s hair garment.
and all who are baptised.

ST. JOHN the Evangelist, A. D. Eagle. Pen. Book. Cup
99. Dec. 27. with serpent.

ST. JOHN CAPISTRANO, A. D. Turk under his feet. In one
1465. Oct. 23. A Franciscan hand a standard, in the other
monk sent by the pope to a cross.
preach a crusade against
the Turks. Canonised in
1690 to commemorate
Vienna’s deliverance from
the Turks.

ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM (of the Habit of Greek bishop.
golden mouth), A. D. 407. Sacramental cup. Gospel.
Jan. 27. One of the Four Dove hovering near.
Greek Fathers of the
Church.

ST. JOHN GUALBERTO, A. D. Crucifix. Sometimes crutch.
1073. July 12. Founder of Light grey habit. Beardless.
the Vallombrosan Order of Cross.
Reformed Benedictines.

ST. JOHN DE MATHA, A. D. White habit. Blue and red
1213. Feb. 8. Founder cross on breast. Fetters
of the Trinitarian Order for in his hand or at his feet.
the redemption of captives. Angel with two captives in
background.

ST. JOHN NEPOMUCK, A. D. Augustine habit. Cross. Five
1393. May 16. Canon stars about his head.
Regular of St. Augustine. Sometimes finger on his lip
Protector of the Order of or mouth padlocked.
Jesuits. In Bohemia and
Austria the patron saint
of bridges and running
water, of silence and against
slander.

ST. JOSEPH. March 19. Husband Crutch or stick. Lily.
of the Blessed Virgin.

ST. JUAN DE LA CRUZ, A. D. Represented with St. Theresa
1591. First barefooted kneeling before the throne
Carmelite. Friend and of the Virgin.
coadjutor of St. Theresa.

ST. JUAN DE DIOS, A. D. 1550. Capuchin habit. Long beard.
March 8. Founder of the Holding a pomegranate
Hospitallers or Brothers of surmounted by a cross. Beggar
Charity. kneeling at his feet.

ST. JUDE. See ST. SIMON.

ST. JULIA and ST. AFRA. Frequently represented in
Virgin Martyrs and patron pictures of the Brescian
saints of Brescia. school with San Faustino, San
Giovita, and St. Apollonius.

ST. JULIAN of Cilicia. March Young. Flowing hair. Secular
16. Patron saint of Rimini. dress. Palm. Standard
of victory. Sword.

ST. JULIAN HOSPITATOR, A. D. Young. Courtier’s dress.
313. Jan. 9. Patron saint Hunting horn. Stag.
of travellers, boatmen, River and boat sometimes
ferrymen, and wandering seen in background.
minstrels.

SS. JUSTA and RUFINA, A. D. Palm. Earthenware pots.
304. July 19. Patron Sometimes the _Giralda_
saints of Seville. (tower) of Seville between
them, which they are supposed
to have saved by a
miracle in a thunder-storm
in 1504.

ST. JUSTINA of Antioch. _See_
ST. CYPRIAN.

ST. JUSTINA of Padua (_Ital._ Richly dressed as princess.
Santa Giustina di Padova), Crowned. Palm. Sword
A. D. 303. Oct. 7. Patron through her breast, emblem
saint of Padua and Venice. of her martyrdom. Sometimes
given the unicorn
which properly belongs to
St. Justina of Antioch.

ST. LAMBERT, A. D. 709. Sept. Bishop’s robes. Palm. Lance
17. Bishop of Maestricht. or javelin at his feet.

ST. LAURENCE, A. D. 258. Deacon’s dress. Palm. Gridiron.
Aug. 10. Patron saint of
Nuremberg, Genoa, and the
Escurial.

ST. LAZARUS, Sept. 2. Brother Bishop’s robes. Bier in
of Martha and Mary and background. Usually grouped
patron saint of Marseilles. with Mary, Martha, and
sometimes St. Marcella.

SS. LEANDER and ISIDORE, In pictures by Murillo they
sixth century. Two brothers are represented enthroned,
who were successively robed in white, wearing
Bishops of Seville and patron their mitres.
saints of the city.

ST. LEONARD, A. D. 559. Deacon’s dress, or Benedictine
Nov. 6. Patron saint of habit. Crozier. Book.
prisoners and slaves. Fetters.

ST. LONGINUS, A. D. 45. Roman soldier. Lance or
March 15. Patron saint of spear.
Mantua. Was the centurion
who pierced the side
of Christ at the crucifixion.
He became a Christian and
suffered martyrdom.

ST. LORENZO GIUSTINIANI,
A. D. 1455. Sept. 5. Bishop
of Castello and Patriarch
of Venice.

ST. LOUIS BELTRAN, A. D.
1581. Oct. 9. A celebrated
Dominican preacher and
friend of St. Theresa.

ST. LOUIS, King of France, Crown of thorns. Sword.
A. D. 1270. Aug. 25. Sceptre. Royal crown.

ST. LOUIS of Toulouse (_Ital._ Young. Beardless. _Fleur-de-lys_
San Ludovico), A. D. 1297. embroidered on
Aug. 19. bishop’s robes. Sometimes
Franciscan habit. Mitre.
Crown and sceptre at his
feet.

ST. LUCY, A. D. 303. Dec. Lamp. Eyes on salver.
13. Patron saint of Syracuse Sword in her neck or wound
and against diseases in neck from which stream
of the eye. rays of light. Palm. Awl.

ST. LUKE, Evangelist. Oct. 18. Ox (winged). Book. Portrait
Patron saint of painters. of the Virgin.

ST. MARCELLA or MARTILLA,
A. D. 68. The handmaid
of Mary and Martha.

ST. MARCELLINUS and ST. Represented together in art,
PETER EXORCISTA, A. D. bearing their palms.
304. June 2. Two priests
who were persecuted and
suffered martyrdom together.

ST. MARGARET of Antioch, Dragon under her feet. Cross.
A. D. 306. July 20. Crown. Palm.

ST. MARGARET of Cortona, Checkered habit. Cord as
A. D. 1297. girdle. Dog at her feet.

ST. MARK the Evangelist, Lion, generally winged. Bishop’s
A. D. 68. April 25. Patron robes. Book.
saint of Venice.

ST. MARTHA of Bethany, A. D. Pot of holy water. Asperges.
84. July 29. Patron saint Dragon bound at her feet.
of cooks and housewives. Bunch of keys. Skimmer
or ladle in her hand. When
with the Magdalene plainly
dressed in blue, dark brown,
or grey.

ST. MARTIN of Tours, A. D. Bishop’s robes. Beggar at
397. Nov. 11. Patron feet or as soldier dividing
saint of Tours, Lucca, and his cloak with beggar.
penitent drunkards. Goose at his side. (This
attribute alludes to the
season of his festival, called
Martinmastide, when geese
are killed and eaten.)

ST. MARY of Egypt, A. D. Old, wasted, with long hair,
433. April 2. grey or black. Three small
loaves.

ST. MARY MAGDALENE, A. D. Long, fair hair. Box of
68. July 22. Patron saint ointment. Skull. Crucifix.
of Provence, Marseilles, and
of penitent women.

ST. MATTHEW, Apostle and Angel or man. Book or pen.
Evangelist, A. D. 90. Sept. Purse or money-bag.
21.

ST. MATTHIAS, Apostle. Feb. Lance or axe.
24.

ST. MAURICE (_Ital._ San St. Maurice is represented in
Maurizio), A. D. 286. armour, palm in one hand,
Sept. 22. Patron saint of the standard in the other.
Savoy, Mantua, and Austria. Sometimes as a Moor, his
This saint was commander name signifying “a Moor.”
of the Theban Legion of the In Italian art he bears a
Roman Army, numbering large red cross—badge of the
6666 soldiers, all Christians. Sardinian Order of St.
These were slain to a man Maurice—on his breast. St.
by order of Emperor Maximin Gereon is in armour, and
for refusing to enter bears the standard and palm.
into battle against other Sometimes the Emperor
Christians. The place Maximin is portrayed prostrate
where the martyrdom occurred under his foot, expressing
has since been called spiritual victory
St. Maurice. St. Gereon over tyranny.
was another of the Theban
Legion, who, with his comrades,
suffered martyrdom
in Cologne. St. Gereon
and St. Maurice are most
honoured in Germany.

ST. MAURUS, A. D. 584.
Jan. 15. _See_ ST. BENEDICT.

ST. MICHAEL the Archangel. Winged. In armour. Sword.
Sept. 29. Spear. Shield. Dragon
under his foot. As Lord of
souls, holding the balance.

ST. MINIATO, A. D. 254. Scarlet robe. Crown. Palm.
Javelins. T-shaped cross.

ST. MONICA, A. D. 387. May
4. Mother of St. Augustine.

ST. NATALIA, wife of ST.
ADRIAN and one of the great
martyrs of the Greek Church.

ST. NAZARIUS and ST. CELSUS, Always represented together,
A. D. 69. July 28. Two St. Nazarius old, St. Celsus
martyrs of Milan. young. Each bears the
palm and sword.

ST. NICHOLAS of Myra or Bishop’s robes. Three balls.
Bari, A. D. 326. Dec. 6. Anchor. Three children in
Patron saint of Russia, a tub. Ship.
Freiberg, Venice, of children,
sailors, merchants, and
against robbers.

ST. NICHOLAS of Tolentino, Augustine habit. Star on his
A. D. 1309. Sept. 10. breast. Gospel. Crucifix
wreathed with a lily.

ST. NORBERT, A. D. 1134. Bishop’s robes. Sacramental
May 6. Founder of the Order cup with spider over it.
of Premonstratensians. Sometimes demon bound.

ST. OMOBUONO. Patron saint Loose tunic trimmed with
of Cremona, of tailors, and fur. Fur cap. Is seen
all good citizens. Noted distributing food and alms
for his charity. to the poor. Sometimes
wine flasks stand near him
in allusion to the legend
that after giving his own
provisions to some starving
pilgrims, he filled the empty
wine flasks with water which
poured out wine, and angels
filled his wallet with bread.

ST. ONOFRIO, fourth or fifth Old, wasted, long grey hair
century. June 12. A and beard. A leafy branch
hermit of Thebes who dwelt encircles his loins. Stick
alone in a cave for sixty in his hand.
years and never spoke except
to pray.

ST. OTTILIA, A. D. 720. Dec. Abbess of the Benedictine
13. Patron saint of Alsace Order. Crozier or Palm.
and Strasburg and against Book upon which rest two
diseases of the eye. She eyes.
was the blind daughter of the
Duke of Alsace and built the
convent of Hohenburg.

ST. PANTALEON, fourth century. Young. Beardless. Wears
July 27. Patron loose robe. Palm. Olive.
saint of physicians. Was As martyr bound to an olive
the favourite physician of tree. Sword at his feet.
Emperor Galerius Maximian.
Martyred for his faith.

ST. PATRICK, A. D. 464.
March 17. Apostle and
patron saint of Ireland.

ST. PAUL the Apostle, A. D. Sword. Sometimes two swords.
65. June 29. Book. Scroll. Next to
Virgin or Saviour enthroned.

ST. PAUL the Hermit of Thebes, Very old, half naked. Long
A. D. 344. hair and beard. Raven.

ST. PETER the Apostle, A. D. Keys. Fish. Cross. Cock.
65. June 29.

ST. PETER of Alcantara, A. D. Often represented thus, or
1562. A Franciscan monk with dove hovering over his
who through faith was able head.
to walk on the water.

ST. PETER EXORCISTA. _See_
ST. MARCELLINUS.

ST. PETER MARTYR, A. D. Dominican habit. Gash in
1252. April 28. his head or blood flowing
from it. Sometimes sword
or axe. Palm.

ST. PETER NOLASCO, A. D. Old. White habit; on his
1258. Jan. 13. Founder of breast the arms of King
the Order of Our Lady of James of Aragon, the badge
Mercy, for the redemption of the Order.
of captives.

ST. PETRONILLA, first century.
May 31. The daughter of
St. Peter.

ST. PETRONIUS, A. D. 430. Bishop’s robes. City of Bologna
Oct. 4. Bishop and patron in his hand.
saint of Bologna.

ST. PHILIP, Apostle. May 1. Staff or crozier surmounted
Patron saint of Luxembourg by a cross, or small cross
and Brabant. in his hand.

ST. PHILIP BENOZZI, A. D.
1285. Aug. 23. Chief
saint of the Order of the
Servi.

ST. PHILIP NERI, A. D. 1595.
May 26. Founder of the
Order of the Oratorians.

ST. PHOCAS of Sinope. Martyr. Found in Byzantine art. As
Greek patron saint of gardens gardener. Spade.
and gardeners.

ST. PLACIDUS, A. D. 584. Jan.
15. _See_ ST. BENEDICT.

ST. POL or PAUL DE LÉON, Bell. Sometimes loaf and
A. D. 573. March 12. First cruse. Driving dragon into
Bishop and patron saint of the sea.
Léon and founder of the
cathedral at St. Pol-de-Léon,
Brittany.

SS. PRAXEDES and PUDENTIANA,
A. D. 148. July 21
and May 19. The daughters
of a Roman patrician named
Pudens, with whom St.
Peter lodged. They were
Christians, and during the
first persecution they ministered
to the tortured ones,
sheltering them in their
own home. They themselves
escaped martyrdom.

ST. PRISCA, A. D. 275. Jan. Lion. Palm. Eagle.
18. A Roman virgin who
was denounced as a Christian
when but thirteen and
thrown to the lions. These,
instead of attacking her,
humbly licked her feet. She
was then taken and beheaded.
An eagle guarded
her body until it was buried.

ST. PROCOPIUS, A. D. 1053.
July 4. A King of Bohemia
who gave up his crown and
became a hermit. His story
is similar to St. Giles’s.

ST. PROCULUS, A. D. 303. Soldier, axe in his hand.
Military patron saint of Sometimes an angel holds
Bologna. One of the warrior the axe. Sword. Carrying
saints who slew with a head in both hands.
an axe an officer sent to
enforce the imperial edict
against the Christians and
was then himself immediately
beheaded.

ST. RANIERI, A. D. 1161.
July 17. Patron saint of
Pisa.

ST. RAPHAEL the Archangel. Winged. Wallet. Staff.
Guardian angel of travellers. Sword. Casket (with fishy
charm). Pilgrim’s garb.

ST. RAYMOND DE PEÑAFORTE, Dominican habit. Gliding
A. D. 1275. Jan. 23. A over the sea on his mantle.
Spanish nobleman who entered
the Order of St.
Dominick. He is said to
have safely crossed the sea
on his mantle, setting his
staff in the middle with the
corner of the cloak for a sail.

ST. REPARATA, third century. Crown. Palm. Sometimes a
Patron saint of Florence banner with red cross on a
before 1298. white ground. Difficult
to distinguish from St. Ursula
unless latter has arrow.

ST. ROCH, A. D. 1327. Aug. Pilgrim’s habit. Wallet.
16. Patron saint of prisoners Cockleshell. Staff. Dog.
and the sick, especially Often pointing to wound
the plague-stricken. in his leg.

ST. ROMAIN, A. D. 639. Oct.
23. Bishop of Rouen under
Clovis I. Considered the
Apostle of Normandy. The
dragon legend is related of
him also.

ST. ROMUALDO, A. D. 1027. White habit. Long white
Feb. 7. Founder of the beard. Crutch.
Order of the Camaldolesi,
reformed Benedictines.

ST. ROMULO, first century.
July 23. Convert of St.
Peter and first Bishop of
Fiesole. Martyred under
Nero.

ST. ROSA DI VITERBO, A. D. Franciscan habit. Chaplet of
1261. May 8. roses.

ST. ROSALIA of Palermo, A. D. Brown tunic. Hair loose.
1160. Crucifix. Angels crowning
her with roses.

ST. SABINA, second century. Palm. Crown. Richly
Aug. 29. A Roman matron dressed.
martyred in the time of the
Emperor Hadrian.

ST. SCHOLASTICA. _See_ ST.
BENEDICT.

ST. SEBALD or SIWARD, A. D. Pilgrim’s dress. Shell in his
770. One of the early hat. Rosary. Staff.
German saints, especially Wallet. In one hand his
venerated in Nuremberg. church with its two towers.

ST. SEBASTIAN, A. D. 288. Pierced by arrows. Bound
Jan. 20. Patron saint against to a tree or column. Angel
plague and pestilence. with palm and crown.

ST. SIMON and JUDE or St. Simon the saw. Thaddeus
THADDEUS. Oct. 28. the halberd.

ST. STEPHEN. Protomartyr. Stones. Deacon’s robes.
Dec. 26. Palm.

ST. SWITHIN, A. D. 862. July
2. Bishop of Winchester
and preceptor of Alfred the
Great. He desired to be
buried among the poor outside
the church. When his
clergy, however, on July
15th, wishing to do him
honour, attempted to remove
his body to a magnificent
tomb inside the church, the
rain fell in such torrents
they were unable to proceed.
The storm continued forty
days. Then, the clergy
saw it was a sign, and left
the saint’s body undisturbed.

ST. SYLVESTER, A. D. 335. Pontifical robes. Mitre.
Dec. 31. Bishop and Patriarch Sometimes triple tiara.
of Rome. Always Small dragon, its mouth
associated with the conversion bound with threads. Bull
of Constantine. crouching at his feet.
Sometimes holding or pointing
at the portraits of St. Peter
and St. Paul.

ST. THECLA, first century. Young. Palm. Wild beasts.
Sept. 23. Patron saint of
Tarragona. A Greek virgin
and martyr who was a convert
of St. Paul.

ST. THEODORE, A. D. 306. In armour. Dragon under
Nov. 9. Formerly patron his feet.
saint of Venice.

ST. THERESA, A. D. 1582. Corpulent. Infirm. Flame-tipped
Oct. 17. Patron saint of arrow in her breast.
Spain and founder of the Dove. Angel.
Scalzi, a reformed order of
the Carmelites.

ST. THOMAS, Apostle. Dec. Builder’s rule or square.
21. Patron saint of Parma Lance.
and Portugal, and of
builders and architects.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS, A. D. Dominican habit. Books.
1274. March 7. Pen. Sacramental cup.
Sun on his breast within
which is sometimes a human
eye. Dove.

ST. THOMAS À BECKET of Blood flowing from his head.
Canterbury, A. D. 1170. Bishop’s robes or Benedictine
Dec. 29. habit.

ST. THOMAS of Villaneuva, At his canonisation it was
A. D. 1555. Sept. 17. ordained that he should be
Archbishop of Valencia, represented with an open
called the Almoner because purse in his hand instead
of his charities. of a crozier.

ST. TORPÈ or TROPÈS, A. D. Roman soldier. White banner
70. May 17. with a red cross.

ST. URSULA, A. D. 237 or Crown. Arrow. Pilgrim’s
383, or 451. Oct. 21. Patron staff surmounted by a white
saint of teachers and banner with the red cross.
young girls. Dove. Mantle sheltering
virgins.

ST. VERONICA. There is an Always represented in art
old tradition that when displaying the sacred napkin.
Jesus was on his way to
Calvary, staggering under
the weight of his cross,
he met a woman who,
filled with compassion,
wiped the drops of agony
from his face with a napkin,
or as some say with her
veil. And the face of Christ
was miraculously printed on
the cloth. The name of
_Vera Icon_, the true image,
was given to this, and the
cloth was called the _Sudarium_
(_Fr._ Le Sainte Sudaire;
_Ital._ Il Sudario).
In time the name of the
cloth was given to the
woman of whom the legend
is related. The festival of
St. Veronica occurs on
Shrove Tuesday.

ST. VICTOR of Marseilles, A. D. In armour. Millstone.
303. July 21. A Roman
soldier who suffered martyrdom
under Diocletian, being
crushed by a millstone and
then beheaded.

ST. VINCENT. Deacon and Young. Deacon’s dress
Martyr, A. D. 304. Jan. Palm. His peculiar attributes
22. Patron saint of Lisbon, a crow or raven
Valencia, Saragossa, Milan, sometimes perched upon a
and Chalons. millstone. Difficult to
distinguish from St. Laurence
and St. Stephen.

ST. VINCENT FERRARIS, A. D. Dominican habit. Crucifix.
1419. April 5. Sometimes represented with
wings, symbolising
inspiration.

ST. VINCENT DE PAULE, A. D. Franciscan habit. Infant in
1660. July 19. Founder his arms. Sister of Charity
of hospitals for deserted kneeling at his feet.
children and of the Order
of Sisters of Charity.

ST. VITUS, A. D. 303. June Palm. Lion. Cock. Wolf.
15. Patron saint of Bohemia, Caldron of oil. Young
Saxony, and Sicily, and beautiful.
of dancers and actors,
against nervous diseases and
late rising (hence the _cock_
as an attribute).

ST. WALBURGA, A. D. 728. Benedictine habit. Crozier
May 1. Niece of St. Boniface as abbess. Vial or flask
and accompanied him to in her hand.
Germany and became abbess
of a Benedictine convent
at Heidenheim. The night
of her festival is the famous
_Walpurgisnacht_ referred to
in _Faust_.

ST. ZENO, A. D. 380. April Bishop’s robes. Fish suspended
12. Patron saint of Verona. from his crozier.

ST. ZENOBIO, A. D. 417. May Scenes from his life are
25. Bishop of Florence. frequently represented in
Florentine art. He has no
particular attribute.

III.—HISTORICAL AND DEVOTIONAL SUBJECTS

The sacred subjects as represented in art become _historical_ when they record any event or story of the Bible, or express the actions, miracles, or martyrdoms of saints. Yet a story may become a _symbol_—thus the Last Supper may be treated as an event, or it may express the symbol of our redemption.

Devotional pictures are those in which no action or event takes place, and where the sainted personages are represented solely in their sacred character, whether standing singly or grouped with others. Such a group is called in Italian a _sacra conversazione_—meaning a society in which there is communion. The most important of these devotional subjects are those in which the whole celestial hierarchy are represented, such as the _Paradiso_ so often met with in ecclesiastical decoration, where Christ sits enthroned in glory; the Coronation of the Virgin, the old and accepted symbol of the triumph of the Church; the Last Judgment, from the Apocalypse, and the Adoration of the Lamb. The order of arrangement in these pictures was fixed and absolute, having been early decided by the Church authorities. The Virgin Mary and John the Baptist come first after the Trinity; then in their order the evangelists, patriarchs, prophets, the apostles, the fathers, the bishops, martyrs, monks, and nuns.

This order might sometimes be varied in order to exalt a favourite saint, as when sometimes St. Augustine is enthroned, with St. Peter and St. Paul on each side; or St. Barbara is represented enthroned, attended by Mary Magdalene and St. Catherine. Frequently the patron saint of the votary or the locality is represented enthroned, and other saints (of a superior rank under other circumstances) are here placed on each side or lower down in the picture, and become accessories. In these pictures the donor is frequently introduced kneeling before his patron saint, sometimes accompanied by his wife and family. And to show his lowliness and self-abasement, he is often so small as to be out of all proportion with the other figures in the picture.

A bishop kneeling among a group of saints is usually the donor of the picture. When he stands with other saints, he is one of the bishop-martyrs or patrons. There are some hundreds of these, and they are the most difficult to distinguish of all the pictured saints.

The _anachronisms_ found in many of the devotional pictures where those saints and sacred personages who lived at widely different times are found grouped together, is explained by the spiritual conception that there is no such thing as time in heaven. So that that which at first seems so incongruous, as to excite derision and pity for the mistakes and ignorances of an earlier age, was instead in the highest degree significant of the immortal life and eternal youth of those blessed ones, who “belong no more to our earth, but to heaven and eternity.”

In the sacred subjects that come under the head of _historical_, some are scriptural, portraying scenes from the Old or New Testament, while others are purely legendary in character.

The historical subjects from the lives of the saints represent usually some miracle they have performed or some scene from their martyrdom.

The martyrdoms found everywhere in all countries are those of St. Peter and St. Paul, St. Stephen Protomartyr, St. Laurence, St. Catherine, and St. Sebastian.

IV.—GENERAL SYMBOLS

“A symbol is an exterior formula, the representation of some dogma or belief. The _lamb_ is the symbol of Christ, for the sacred texts relating to the Divine lamb oblige us to receive it as the necessary and dogmatical representation of Christ. A _figure_, on the other hand, is an arbitrary representation of any idea. The figure is not imposed by sacred dogma, but results simply from the free use of the human mind.... We are required to receive a symbol, but may be persuaded to admit a figure; the first demands our faith, the second fascinates the mind. The _lion_, _cross_, and _lamb_ are the sole symbols of Christ, but he has been figured by the pelican and the fish.”—Didron’s _Christian Iconography_.

The =Nimbus=, =Aureole=, or =Glory= that is used in Christian art to distinguish holy personages was used by the pagans, who not only employed it as an attribute of divinity, but often gave it to the Emperors of Rome and the Kings of Eastern Europe and Asia. It expressed the radiance believed to emanate from the Divine Essence.

The glory around the head is the nimbus or aureole. The _oblong glory_ surrounding the whole person (called in Italian the _Mandorla_—almond—from its form) is used only in connection with figures of Christ and the Virgin, or with saints as they are seen ascending into heaven.

When used to represent one of the three divine persons of the Trinity, the glory is often cruciform or triangular. A _cruciform nimbus_ is a nimbus stamped with a cross, and although appropriate to the Deity, belongs peculiarly to Christ.

The =Triangle=, the emblem of the Divine Trinity, denotes three of the inseparable attributes of the Deity: to be; to think; to speak.

The =Square= was a geometrical symbolic figure used to indicate the earth; the circle was the symbol of heaven. Thus eternity was shown by a circle, life by a square, and the eternity of life by a square within a circle.

The _Square Nimbus_ indicates that the person was living at the time the picture was painted.

From the fifth to the twelfth century the nimbus was shaped like a disc or plate over the head. During the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries it was a broad golden band behind the head, consisting of circle within circle, frequently ornamented with jewels. The custom prevailed at this time (especially in Germany) of inscribing the saint’s name within the edge of the nimbus above his head. From the fifteenth century, the nimbus became a bright fillet over the head, and its use was abandoned in the seventeenth century.

In pictures, the nimbus or aureole is always golden, the colour of light.

The =Fish=[1] (usually a dolphin, which had also a sacred significance among the pagans,) was the earliest of the Christian emblems. It was used, partly because the Greek word for fish forms the anagram of the name of Jesus Christ; and as a symbol of water and the rite of baptism; also in reference to the passage in the Gospel: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” When given to St. Peter the fish signifies his occupation as a fisherman, his conversion to Christianity, and his vocation as an apostle—a fisher of men. It is also given as an attribute to bishops who were celebrated for the number of their conversions and baptisms.

The =Cross=. About the tenth century the fish was superseded by the cross, which became the universal symbol of the Christian faith. The Latin cross (_a_), that upon which Christ was believed to have suffered, is the form usually given to a saint. But other crosses are used, having the same signification; as the Greek cross (_b_), in which the arms are all the same length; the transverse cross (_c_), on which St. Andrew is supposed to have died; the Egyptian cross (_d_), often given to St. Philip the Apostle, was the form also of the crutch of St. Anthony and was embroidered on his cope or robe, hence it is called St. Anthony’s cross.

The double cross on the top of a staff instead of a crozier belongs only to a pope. The staff with a single cross is borne by the Greek bishops. Often the cross was made of gold or silver, the five wounds of Christ being indicated by a ruby or carbuncle at each end and in the centre. Not until the sixth century did the cross become a crucifix, no longer a symbol, but an image.

The =Lamb= has been the peculiar symbol of the Saviour, as the “sacrifice without blemish,” from the earliest times. The lamb is also the general symbol of modesty, innocence, and meekness, and is thus given to St. Agnes.

The =Pelican=, who tears open her breast to feed her young with her own blood, was one of the early symbols of our redemption through the sufferings of Christ.

The =Dragon= is the symbol of Satan and of sin. The scriptural phrase, “the jaws of hell,” was rendered literally in early art by depicting the dragon’s jaws as open, emitting flames. The =Serpent= also typified sin and is sometimes placed under the feet of the Madonna with an apple in its mouth, or winding around a globe, signifying the power of sin over the whole world.

The =Lion=[2] is an ancient Christian symbol that frequently occurs, especially in architectural decoration. Antiquaries differ as to the exact meaning of the mystical lions placed in the porches of so many old Lombard churches; sometimes with an animal, sometimes with a man in their paws. The lion was an ancient symbol of the Redeemer, “the lion of the tribe of Judah,” also of the resurrection of the Redeemer, because according to an Oriental tradition the lion’s cub is born dead, and in three days its sire licks it into life. The lion, as a creature of the wilderness, is also an emblem of solitude, and is given to St. Jerome and other saints who did penance, or lived as hermits in the desert. The lion as an attribute indicated death in the amphitheatre, and thus is given to St. Ignatius and St. Euphemia. As the type of fortitude and resolution, the lion is placed at the feet of those martyrs of unfaltering courage, as St. Adrian and St. Natalia.

The =Hart= or =Hind= is an emblem of solitude and purity of life, and also of religious aspiration. “Like as the hart panteth after the water-brooks, so panteth my soul for Thee, O God!” When the original meaning of the lion, the hart, and other emblems had faded from the popular mind, legends were invented to explain them and _that which had been a symbol_ became an _incident_ or an _historical attribute_; as the legend of the lion healed by St. Jerome, or two lions digging the grave of St. Paul, the stag that appeared to St. Eustace and St. Hubert, and the hind that spoke to St. Julian.

The =Peacock=, the bird of Juno, was an old pagan symbol signifying the apotheosis of an empress. The early Christians, with this interpretation in mind, used it as a general symbol of immortality. It was not until modern times that the peacock became the emblem of earthly pride.

The =Crown= in Christian art is either an emblem or an attribute. In all ages it has been the emblem of victory and reward due to surpassing power or virtue. “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness”; and in this sense the crown became the especial symbol of the glory of martyrdom. Among the Jews, the crown was worn by a bride, and usually only the female martyrs wear the symbolical crown of glory, signifying in a double sense the bride of Christ, and the martyr. Martyrs of the other sex hold the crown in their hands or it is borne by an angel. The crown is also the symbol of sovereignty. The Virgin wears it as Queen of Heaven and _Regina Angelorum_. It is important to distinguish between the _symbol_ and the _attribute_. When the crown is given to St. Cecilia and St. Barbara it is the emblem of their glorious martyrdom. When given to St. Catherine and St. Ursula it is not only the _symbol_ of martyrdom but the _attribute_ of their royal rank as princesses.

As an attribute it is frequently worn by a saint or placed at his feet, indicating that he was of royal birth, as in pictures of Louis of France, St. Helena, and many others.

The =Sword= is also a symbol or an attribute. In general it signifies martyrdom by a violent death and thus is given to many saints who did not perish by the sword. As an attribute, it shows that the martyr was beheaded. Thus it is given to St. Paul, St. Catherine, and many others. It is also given to the warrior martyrs typifying their military profession.

Other symbols of martyrdom are:

The =Lance=, the =Axe=, the =Club=.

The =Arrow=, the attribute of St. Ursula, St. Christian, and St. Sebastian.

The =Anvil= is an attribute of St. Adrian only, signifying his martyrdom.

The =Poniard=, of St. Lucia.

The =Caldron=, given to St. Cecilia and St. John the Evangelist.

The =Pincers= and =Shears=, St. Apollonia and St. Agatha.

The =Wheels=, St. Catherine.

=Fire= and =Flames= sometimes indicate martyrdom, sometimes religious fervour.

The =Palm= is the universal symbol of martyrdom, for which the Christians found scriptural authority in Rev. vii., 9, 14: “And after this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude ... stood before the throne ... clothed with white robes, and with palms in their hands.” ... “And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation.” Thus in pictures of martyrdoms an angel is introduced with the palm.

The =Standard= or =Banner= is the symbol of victory. It is carried by our Saviour after His resurrection, and is given to St. George, St. Maurice, and other military saints; to some victorious martyrs, as St. Julian and St. Ansano, also to St. Ursula and St. Reparata, the only female saints.

The =Ship=. The Ark of Noah was in early times a symbol of the Church of Christ. Later the Ark became a Ship.

The =Anchor= symbolises immovable firmness, patience, and hope.

The =Lamp=, =Lantern=, or =Taper= is the emblem of piety: “Let your light so shine before men,” etc. Thus it is given to St. Gudula, St. Geneviève of Paris, and St. Bridget. It also signifies wisdom, and when given to St. Lucia typifies celestial light or wisdom.

A =Church= in the hands of a saint shows that he was the founder of some particular church. But in the hands of St. Jerome it signifies the whole Catholic Church, and to make the symbol more impressive rays of light stream out from the portal.

The =Chalice=, or Sacramental Cup with the Host, signifies faith, and is thus given to St. Barbara.

The =Scourge= in the hand of a saint or at his feet indicates the penance he inflicted upon himself; in the hand of St. Ambrose, however, it shows the punishment he inflicted upon others.

The =Olive=, emblem of peace and reconciliation, is found on the tombs of the early martyrs; sometimes with, and again without, the dove. It is carried as the attribute of peace by the Angel Gabriel, sometimes also by the angels in a Nativity who announce “peace on earth.”

The =Dove= in sacred art is the symbol of the Holy Ghost, and is given to certain saints who are considered to have been divinely inspired, as St. Gregory, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Hilarius, and others. It is also introduced into various subjects from the New Testament, as the Annunciation, the Baptism, and the Pentecost. It also symbolises simplicity and purity of heart, and is the emblem of the soul, and in this sense is seen coming forth from the lips of dying martyrs.

The =Lily= is another emblem of purity and appears in pictures of the Virgin, particularly those of the Annunciation. It belongs also to St. Joseph, the husband of the Virgin Mary, whose staff, according to the legend, put forth lilies. It is given as an emblem only to St. Francis, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Dominick, and St. Catherine of Siena, to emphasise the great purity of their lives.

The =Unicorn= is another “ancient symbol of purity, in allusion to the fable that it could never be captured except by a virgin stainless in mind and life.” It is the emblem of female chastity, and is given only to the Virgin Mary and St. Justina.

The =Flaming Heart= symbolises fervent piety and love.

The =Book=, in the hands of the evangelists and the apostles, represents the Gospel, and is an attribute. In the hand of St. Stephen it is the Old Testament; with any other saint it may be the Gospel, but it may also be a symbol signifying that the saint was famous for his learning. It is thus given to St. Catherine, the Doctors of the Church, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. Bonaventura.

=Flowers= and =Fruit= may be simply ornamental in ecclesiastical works of art, but in many instances they have a definite meaning. Roses are symbolical in pictures of the Madonna, who is the “Rose of Sharon.”

The =Apple= was the accepted emblem of the fall of man and original sin. In pictures of the Madonna and Child, in the hand of the Infant Christ, or presented by an angel, it symbolised redemption.

The =Pomegranate= bursting open, showing the seeds, was a symbol of the future and hope of immortality.

An _Apple_, _Pear_, or _Pomegranate_ placed in the hand of St. Catherine as the mystical bride of Christ, alludes to the scriptural text, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace.”

A =Bell= was supposed to exorcise demons, and thus it is given to the haunted St. Anthony.

The =Shell= signifies pilgrimage.

The =Skull=, penance.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] See Appendix.

[2] See Appendix.

V.—COLOURS AS EMBLEMS

In early art colours were always used symbolically, and until the old traditions were cast aside by later painters, certain colours were always associated with certain subjects and certain personages. In all the old stained glass these rules were scrupulously followed.

=White= was the symbol of light, faith, joy, life, and of religious purity, virginity, and innocence. It signified honour and integrity in the judge, humility in the rich man, and chastity in a woman. Christ appears in white after His resurrection and the Virgin wears it in pictures of the assumption.

=Red=, the ruby, denoted fire, divine love, the Holy Spirit; royalty, creative power, and heat. Red and white roses are symbols of love and innocence, or love and wisdom. Thus the angel crowns St. Cecilia. Used in the bad sense, red typified blood, hatred, war. Red and white together were the colours of the devil and of purgatory.

=Blue=, that of the sapphire, signified heaven, fidelity, constancy, truth. Christ and the Virgin wear the blue mantle typifying heavenly love and heavenly truth. St. John the Evangelist was given the _blue tunic_ and the red mantle.

=Yellow= or =Gold= was the symbol of the sun, of the goodness of God, of marriage and fruitfulness. St. Joseph wears yellow, and St. Peter, in pictures of the apostles, wears a yellow mantle over a blue tunic. Used in the reverse sense, yellow denoted jealousy, deceit, and inconstancy. The traitor Judas wears a dirty, dingy yellow.

=Green=, the emerald, the colour of spring, symbolised victory and hope—particularly hope of immortality.

=Violet=, the amethyst, signified passion and suffering, or love and truth. It is the colour worn by the martyrs, by the Virgin after the crucifixion, by Mary Magdalene as the penitent, and sometimes by Christ after the resurrection.

=Grey= is the colour of humility, mourning, penance, and accused innocence.

=Black= indicated darkness, wickedness, death, and mourning, and was given to Satan. Black and white signified humiliation or mourning, and purity of life, and for this reason was adopted by the Dominicans and Carmelites.

VI.—THE TRINITY

=Symbols of God the Father.= Until the twelfth century the only symbol used to indicate God the Father was a hand issuing from the clouds. It was generally represented in the act of benediction, sometimes encircled by a cruciform nimbus, sometimes entirely open with rays proceeding from each finger. It was then supposed to be in the act of bestowing. This symbol was followed by a face in the clouds, then a bust, and by the end of the fourteenth century the entire figure was represented. Then a sentiment grew into being that, as no mortal had seen nor could see him, any attempt to represent him in human form was profane; and since the sixteenth century the Supreme Being has been symbolised by a triangle, the geometrical emblem of the Divine Trinity, or by a radiating circle, itself the symbol of eternity.