Saint Lucy

Image credit: © Schorr Collection/Bridgeman Images

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Notes

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The legend of Saint Lucy (283 AD–304 AD) became popular in the post-Roman era after she was martyred during the persecution of the Christians. Tales suggest that she had her eyes torn out by the Roman Emperor Diocletian to avoid marrying a pagan, but her eyes were miraculously restored when she became a martyr in 304 AD.

She is depicted here with her eyes reinstated, dramatically looking upwards with her previously removed eyes on a dish. The painting is predominantly dark with intense lighting and honed focus on the face which is strongly influenced by Caravaggio's style.

Chiswick House

London

Title

Saint Lucy

Date

early 1620s

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 77.8 x W 73.8 cm

Accession number

LI.2007.64.2

Acquisition method

on long-term loan from the Schorr Collection

Work type

Painting

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Normally on display at

Chiswick House

Burlington Lane, Chiswick, London, Greater London W4 2RP England

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