Saint Agapitus of Praeneste in the Arena; (interior) The Beheading of Saint Agapitus of Praeneste 1500 - 1505

This panel painting of Saint Agapitus of Praeneste was created by an anonymous Swiss artist. It depicts a story of religious persecution and steadfast faith, common themes during the medieval period, but it also tells a story about how the church saw itself. The image is divided into two distinct scenes: in the foreground, Agapitus sits unharmed amidst wild animals. He is awaiting his death. In the background, inside a building, is the scene of his beheading. The artist uses visual codes to communicate the saint's holiness, like the halo around his head. Notice how the placement of the figures separates the saint from the onlookers in the window who are detached from the martyrdom. This reflects the period's emphasis on personal piety, as well as institutional power. Understanding the history of religious institutions and cultural beliefs helps us interpret the meaning and function of the artwork. By researching the cultural context and religious narratives of the period, we can gain insights into the social values that shaped its creation.