Saint Dorothy 1440 - 1460

This anonymous woodcut, created sometime between 1440 and 1460, depicts Saint Dorothy, a popular figure in Christian iconography. She is portrayed holding a basket of roses and offering a stem of the same flowers to a small, naked child who pushes a toy cart. Dorothy is associated with martyrdom and is often depicted with roses, referencing a legend where she received roses from an angel after her execution. This vivid image exemplifies the devotional artwork of the Early Netherlandish period, characterized by its simple yet expressive style and emphasis on religious narratives. The use of bright, flat colors and the carefully rendered figures contributes to the image's powerful and emotional impact.