Santa Lucia 1628

Painted by Palma il Giovane around the turn of the 17th century, Santa Lucia depicts Saint Lucy, the patron saint of sight, holding her eyes on a golden platter. During the Counter-Reformation, there was a focus on works that inspired piety and religious fervor. Lucy, a virgin martyr who died protecting her faith, would have been a popular subject for those who sought to reinforce the ideals of the church. Palma il Giovane paints a tender, almost melancholic figure. Her eyes avert the viewer. She is framed by darkness. Her gaze and the shadows reflect a nuanced understanding of the complexities of devotion. The story of Santa Lucia, whose eyes were said to have been removed because of her faith, is visually arresting and emotionally complex. It invites us to contemplate the concepts of sacrifice, vision, and belief. This piece is more than a historical rendering, it’s an emotional and intimate experience.