St Cunera

Saint Cunera. Wooden statue from the parish church of Soest. Circa 1510.<BR /><BR />In the fourth century, 11,000 maidens are said to have suffered martyrdom in Cologne. Cunera alone escaped and was taken by King Radboud to Rhenen. Radboud's jealous wife had Cunera murdered. Her remains (relics) are said to have been found there by Willibrord, the first bishop of Utrecht.<BR /><BR />The legend dates from the thirteenth century. Cunera is depicted as a noble maiden. She wears a diadem. The cloth with which she was strangled lies around her neck.