Feminae: Medieval Women and Gender Index


  • Record Number: 7977
  • Author(s)/Creator(s): Cassell , Anthony K.
  • Contributor(s):
  • Title: Santa Lucia as Patroness of Sight: Hagiography, Iconography, and Dante [The role of Saint Lucy in Dante's Divine Comedy is manifold, as the saint bears multiple symbolic and allegorical meanings in the poem. Early accounts of her life present the saint as an exemplum of fortitude, but later narratives depict her as a beautiful virgin martyr whose eyes were plucked out. Representations of Saint Lucy in art often feature her holding her eyes on a dish or platter, highlighting her role as the patroness of sight. Title note supplied by Feminae.].
  • Source: Dante Studies 109, ( 1991): Pages 71 - 88.
  • Description:
  • Article Type: Journal Article
  • Subject (See Also): Dante Alighieri, Poet Eyes, Image of Hagiography Iconography Imagery Light Lucy, Martyr, Saint Sight Women in Art Women in Literature
  • Award Note:
  • Geographic Area: Italy
  • Century: 13- 14
  • Primary Evidence:
  • Illustrations: One Figure. Figure One Detail of a Mural of the Crucifixion in Romanesque Church of San Pedro de Tarrasa, Barcelona, twelfth century. In her right hand, Saint Lucy holds a palm; in her left hand, she holds two eyes in a platter.
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  • Author's Affiliation: University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
  • Conference Info: - , -
  • Year of Publication: 1991.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN/ISBN: 00702862