Lovely and romantic, this portrayal of 4th Century Christian and Martyr, Agnes of Rome, shows her in a peaceful Roman garden and suggests aspects of the girl herself. She was beautiful with a gentle loving spirit, and turned down many men because of her devotion to Christ. Eventually, she was reported to the authorities for the crime of being Christian. Agnes, whose name means lamb, is usually shown holding a lamb, indicating her innocence. The palm leaf symbolizes her martyrdom, and the sword is the instrument they used. Reportedly, she faced her passing the way St. Therese did, with joy for the coming union with her beloved Jesus.

This is the Agnes who is mentioned by name in the Mass. She is the Patron Saint of girls and chastity. Her feast day is January 21, the date she died in 304 AD. (source: Cahtolic.org)

This is a turn of the last century German holy card. It was printed by B. Kühlen, a German publisher of holy cards in a partnership with Carl Poellath of Schrobenhausen, Bavaria, a manufacturing company founded in 1778 and still in existence today. Artist is anonymous. (source: second.wiki)

Thank you for your interest.

Sue and John

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