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Santa Barbara
From the collection of Smithsonian American Art Museum. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
According to legend, St. Barbara's father locked her in a tower to keep suitors away from her. She became a Christian while her father was away and when he returned he tried to kill her. Ultimately, she was condemned to death by a judge and her father was struck dead by lightning. She is venerated for protection against fire, lightning, and hurricanes. This santo (image of a saint) represents her triumphantly holding the tower in which she was incarcerated.
Smithsonian American Art Museum’s own descriptionSubjects
Credit lineSanta Barbara. ca. 1675-1725. Unidentified. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Teodoro Vidal Collection. CC0.
