The Martyrdom and Last Communion of Saint Lucy c. 1585 - 1586

Paolo Veronese painted this image of "The Martyrdom and Last Communion of Saint Lucy" in the late 16th century. The painting illustrates Lucy's final act of devotion before her martyrdom, receiving communion. The work reflects Venice's strong Catholic identity and the complex relationship between religious faith, political power, and social norms during the Renaissance. Saint Lucy, known as the patron saint of sight, was a popular figure in Venice. Veronese creates meaning through the use of light and color, drawing viewers into a highly dramatic scene. To fully understand the cultural context of this painting, it is useful to explore the religious beliefs, traditions, and patronage systems of Venice during the Renaissance, using resources such as historical texts and archival documents. Only then can we fully appreciate the social and institutional forces that shaped Veronese’s artistic vision.