Who painted St. Lucia, Virgin and Martyr?

St. Lucia, Virgin and Martyr was painted by Jan Punt in 1750.

Where can I see St. Lucia, Virgin and Martyr?

St. Lucia, Virgin and Martyr is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Can I buy a print of St. Lucia, Virgin and Martyr?

Museum-quality prints of St. Lucia, Virgin and Martyr are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

St. Lucia, Virgin and Martyr

Jan Punt , 1750

St. Lucia, Virgin and Martyr is a print by Jan Punt. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This paper print reproduces the image of Saint Lucia, a Christian virgin and martyr, as interpreted by Jan Punt in 1750 after Peter Paul Rubens’s original altar piece in the Jesuit church of Antwerp. The engraving captures the saint’s calm yet determined demeanor while she holds the symbols of her martyrdom.

Subject & Meaning

Saint Lucia is shown clutching a palm branch, a traditional sign of martyrdom, and a small dish that once contained her eyes, referencing the legend of her blinding. These attributes identify her sacrifice and reinforce her role as a protector of sight.

Technique & Style

The print mirrors Rubens’s composition through careful line work and tonal contrast, emphasizing the saint’s serene expression against a darker background. The engraving’s chiaroscuro effect, achieved by varying ink density, creates depth and highlights the figure’s gentle resolve.

History & Provenance

Jan Punt’s 1750 engraving was produced to disseminate Rubens’s celebrated depiction of the saint beyond Antwerp. The original painting remains in the Church of the Jesuits, while the print circulated among devotional collectors in the eighteenth century.

Context

Rubens’s depiction of Saint Lucia fits within the Baroque tradition of dramatic religious imagery, intended to inspire piety through vivid storytelling. The print’s replication of this visual language allowed a broader audience to engage with the saint’s narrative.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Jan Punt

Jan Punt made prints in 18th-century Holland. His “St. Lucia, Virgin and Martyr” shows the saint holding a palm branch and a dish with her eyes on it, an old symbol tied to her story. The print follows Dutch artists who…