Saint Ursula and Her Maidens 1405 - 1415

Niccolò di Pietro painted Saint Ursula and Her Maidens in the early 15th century. The artist created it using tempera and gold on wood. It depicts Saint Ursula, surrounded and embraced by her maidens. These women chose martyrdom rather than marriage to pagan suitors. Painted in Venice, the image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. The flags held by some of the maidens allude to England, the homeland of Saint Ursula. Venice at this time was a powerful maritime republic with an oligarchical government. It was an important center for trade and cultural exchange between East and West. Niccolò di Pietro’s painting reflects Venice's role as a cosmopolitan center and its devotion to religious figures. In interpreting this art, historians consult devotional literature, chronicles, and other primary sources. We consider the painting’s place within a rich social and institutional context.