Saint Agnes standing a holding a palm in her right hand, a sheep lower left, from "Piccoli Santi" (Small Saints) 1495 - 1532

Marcantonio Raimondi created this print of Saint Agnes, a part of his "Piccoli Santi" series, during the Italian Renaissance, a period marked by renewed interest in classical antiquity. Agnes, a Christian saint martyred as a young girl in the 4th century, is often depicted with a lamb, symbolizing innocence and purity. Raimondi presents Agnes holding a palm branch, a symbol of victory over death, while a lamb rests peacefully at her feet. The print reflects the era’s fascination with religious iconography and the idealization of female virtue. The image invites contemplation on themes of faith, sacrifice, and the construction of female sainthood. It offers a glimpse into how religious figures were reimagined and disseminated through printmaking, shaping cultural and spiritual values of the time.