Gospel in Art: Saint Lucy, Virgin, Martyr

Saint Lucy, by Francesco del Cossa, Painted circa 1473/1474, © National Gallery of Art, Washington

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 13 December 2025
Matthew 25:1-13

At that time: Jesus told his disciples this parable, 'The kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, "Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him." Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out." But the wise answered, saying, "Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves." And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterwards the other virgins came also, saying, "Lord, lord, open to us." But he answered, "Truly, I say to you, I do not know you." Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.'

Reflection on the painting

Today we celebrate Saint Lucy. She was martyred in Syracuse, during the Diocletian persecutions, which started in 303 AD. Legend has it that Lucy, determined to dedicate her life to Christ, plucked out her own eyes and sent them to a tenacious admirer after he insisted that the beauty of Lucy's eyes allowed him no peace. Astounded by her devotion to her faith, the suitor converted to Christianity, and Lucy, the legend continues, later found her eyesight miraculously restored one day during prayer. It is possible that the young saint's connection with eyes originated in the Latin source for her name (Lucy): Lux or "light," of course inextricably linked with vision. As we await the light of Christ coming into the world at Christmas, it is a perfect time to celebrate our saint.

Lucy died a martyr for her faith. The Roman persecutors attempted to burn her at the stake, preparing a large fire to consume her. However, when the fire was lit, the flames seemed to recoil, refusing to touch her body. The fire avoided her flesh entirely, as though recognising her sanctity. Emerging unscathed, Lucy spoke about her Christian faith, attributing her survival to her devotion to God. In the same speech, she also prophesied that the persecution of Christians would soon come to an end. Her words proved prophetic; less than a decade later, Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, granting Christians the freedom to worship throughout the Roman Empire. Lucy's defiance and unwavering faith angered her persecutors, who felt humiliated by her survival. Enraged, a young soldier was ordered to execute her. He carried out the command by cutting her throat, and Lucy died a martyr on 13th December 304 AD.

Our painting by Francesco del Cossa depicts Saint Lucy, in a very serene pose. The arched painting shows her from the knees up, standing behind a grey ledge. She has pale, peach-toned skin and holds a palm (symbol of martyrdom) in one hand and a pair of disembodied eyes, attached to a stem-like a flower, in the other. Against a gold background, her body faces forward, but her head is turned to her left, glancing downward at the eyes she holds. Note how the leaves of the palm are very blade-like, referring to her death by sword.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/matthew-25-1-13-2025-3/