On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P00445
- Author
- Titian [Vecellio di Gregorio Tiziano]
- Title
- Saint Margaret
- Chronology
- Ca. 1565
- Technique
- Oil
- Support
- Canvas
- Measures
- 209 cm x 183 cm
- School
- Italian
- Theme
- Religion
- On display
- Yes
- Procedence
- Royal Collection (Royal Palace of El Buen Retiro, Madrid, “pinturas recogidas de las Casas Arzobispales”, 1747, nº 59; New Royal Palace, Madrid, “paso de tribuna y trascuartos”, 1772, nº 59; Royal Palace, Madrid, “pieza azul”, 1814-1818, s.n.?)
This work depicts one of the miracles of Saint Margaret, a virgin and martyr from Antioch who was known in the West through Greek sources and the Golden Legend. She emerges from the entrails of a dragon, whose belly exploded thanks to the miracle of the cross she carries in her left hand. According to tradition, this was her first miracle.
This is the second painting of Saint Margaret sent to Felipe II (1556-1598) by Titian. It is based on a work on the same subject by Raphael.
The scene is framed by a boulder and the landscape, which depicts Venice in flames and is rendered with an extraordinarily free hand.
The work is signed.
