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Saint Margaret of Antioch

ca. 1475
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 305
The legend of Saint Margaret, the Early Christian martyr also known as Marina, details the many painful ordeals she endured before her eventual death during the reign of Emperor Diocletian (r. 284–305). Having been swallowed by the devil in the guise of a dragon, the saint burst unharmed from its body after making the sign of the cross.

Dating from about 1475, this work is an outstanding example of the Languedoc style of the late fifteenth century, which was centered in medieval Toulouse. This work is remarkable for the contrast of the idealism and delicacy of the figure set against the scaly and coarse textures of the lizard-turned-dragon at the base of the composition.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title:
    Saint Margaret of Antioch
  • Date:
    ca. 1475
  • Geography:
    Made in Toulouse (?)
  • Culture:
    French
  • Medium:
    Alabaster, with traces of gilding
  • Dimensions:
    Overall: 15 3/8 x 9 5/8 x 6 9/16in. (39 x 24.5 x 16.7cm)
  • Classifications:
    Sculpture-Stone, Sculpture-Alabaster
  • Credit Line:
    Gift of Anthony and Lois Blumka, in memory of Ruth Blumka, 2000
  • Object Number:
    2000.641
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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3020. Saint Margaret of Antioch

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This exquisite alabaster statue depicts Saint Margaret. Her diadem, or crown, features small red gems and she wears a belt with a long, dangling chain. She is shown here rising triumphantly over a devil that swallowed her in the guise of the dragon. According to her legend, Saint Margaret invoked the cross and emerged from the dragon’s body unscathed. The sculptor contrasts her innocent expression and delicate features with the coarse scales of the dragon. Walk around the sculpture to appreciate the textures that bring this diminutive creation to life.

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