Martino Altomonte (naples, 1657 - Vienna, 1745), Attr. , Saint Ursula In Glory

Martino Altomonte (Naples, 1657 - Vienna, 1745), attr. 

Saint Ursula in glory

Oil on canvas, cm 135 x 88

The first records of Saint Ursula’s life date back to the 9th century, when the relics of many young women were found in a crypt near Cologne. These relics were associated with a local legend that related to a British princess named Orsola and her eleven thousand virgins, martyred by the Huns.

According to tradition, Orsola, the bride of a Hun prince, refused to marry and dedicated herself to religious life. Together with thousands of virgins, he embarked on a ship to Rome to make a pilgrimage and receive baptism. Upon their return, they found Cologne besieged by the Huns. Rather than renouncing their faith, the virgins were killed by barbarians. Orsola, in particular, was pierced by an arrow. And it is the moment before death that is depicted on the background of the painting: Orsola tied to some shackles is about to be hit by the arrow already cocked by the soldier, in the distance a tangle of bodies testify to the brutal episode. 

At the centre of the composition, the figure of the saint is raised to heaven in a whirlwind of clouds and divine light. His clothing is refined and rich: the golden profiles of the robes, the pearls at the neck, the crown and the coat made of ermine underline his royal descent.  In his hands he holds the palm symbol of martyrdom while two angels at his feet hold arrows, as a reference to his cruel death, the lily, which alludes to his purity and virginity and the crown of laurel, symbol of victory and triumph.