Saint Apollonia c. 1450

This anonymous woodcut from c. 1450 depicts the martyrdom of Saint Apollonia. The image shows a figure in a red robe being tortured by pliers, while a man with a hammer stands in the background. The scene is set against a golden background with a bright, star-shaped halo above the figures. This artwork exemplifies the popular imagery of saints during the Middle Ages, providing a visual narrative of their trials and tribulations. This image, likely a depiction of the saint’s suffering during her torture, was produced within the context of devotional art, intended to inspire faith in the viewer.