H. Felicula en H. Petronilla 1565 - 1630

Antonio Tempesta created this print of H. Felicula en H. Petronilla in the 16th or 17th century. During this period, the Catholic Church was a major power, and religious imagery was common. Tempesta’s decision to depict Felicula and Petronilla, two early Christian saints, is interesting. Both women were venerated for their faith and are often seen as symbols of female piety and strength. In the print, we see them kneeling in prayer, with angels holding crowns above them, marking them as virtuous and blessed. The image invites us to reflect on the role of women in religious history and the ways in which their stories have been told and celebrated, or perhaps, more often, overlooked. It's also a reminder of the power of faith and the courage of those who lived according to their beliefs. While the print certainly adheres to traditional religious representations, it also subtly develops a narrative of female empowerment through devotion.