Saint Margaret c. 1435

This small tempera painting, "Saint Margaret," by the Italian artist Sassetta, was created around 1435. The work depicts the saint standing, her right hand resting on a book and her left hand on a staff, a common iconographic attribute for her. Saint Margaret is known for her victory over the dragon, depicted in the painting as a defeated beast lying at her feet. Sassetta's masterful use of gold leaf and delicate lines creates a rich, luminous background for the saint, highlighting her divine presence. The painting's small size suggests it was likely intended for private devotion.