Identifying Female Saints in Art History

Amuze Art Lecture #163: An overview the symbolism associated with non-biblical female saints.
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Chapters
0:00 Female Saints
0:41 St. Catherine
2:55 St. Joan of Arc
4:12 St. Cecilia
4:49: St. Veronica
5:24: Other Saints
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Music: Wandering Soul by Asher Fulero

[@deborahberger5816]

I was raised in the Russian Orthodox Church. We have an entirely different host of saints than the Roman Catholic Church, and our form of art is the icon. It makes me sad to see how some people think that icons are somehow inferior art, or not even art at all, because of the vibrant colors that I've heard called "garish," and the lack of Western perspective. Would you please make a video about icons? My favorite saint is the gender-bending Saint Xenia of Petersburg, who dressed in her beloved husband's clothes after he died and devoted her life to good works, giving all her earthly belongings to the poor. As a childless widow, Saint Xenia was welcomed into people's houses, where she enjoyed encouraging and advising newlyweds, and making children laugh.

[@AmuzeArt]

That's a wonderful suggestion. And all art forms have their unique beauty. Personally, I am not that familiar with icon art, mainly because there are just fewer museums displaying that art in the placed I visited. But it's an intriguing and wonderful art form, and I will learn more about it. Hopefully one day, I know enough to make a good video about it. Thanks

[@deborahberger5816]

If you go to a Russian Orthodox church, you will be overwhelmed by the icon screen!

[@for.tax.reasons]

I was always fascinated by the story of Saint Agnes and Emerentiana!

[@AmuzeArt]

Yes, I considered Agnes. I was not familiar with Emerentiana, but just learned something new thanks to you.

[@baldwinverhoeven9795]

It never occurred to me Joan of arc is a Saint! Thanks for again an interesting video!

[@AmuzeArt]

Glad you enjoyed it. I did not grow up Catholic, so I also had to refresh my knowledge on the female saints first.

[@baldwinverhoeven9795]

@@AmuzeArt saint iconography is a very interesting subject!

[@VeganWithAraygun]

St. Cecilia, Henry Purcell and I forever ❤♀️🙏🏼🛐

[@deborahberger5816]

I love Purcell's symphony "Hail! Bright Cecilia."

[@AmuzeArt]

That's a nice one indeed

[@t.j.payeur5331]

This was great, thanks! PS...didn't Bernini do a magnificent sculpture of St.Theresa?

[@AmuzeArt]

Thanks, I hope I got the main female saints included.. I did exclude Saint Agatha, as the images of her are often quite shocking.

[@t.j.payeur5331]

See the postscript about Bernini and St Theresa ​@@AmuzeArt

[@Art-Facts-Videos]

This sculpture is called the "Ecstasy of Saint Teresa" and it's located in the Santa Maria della Vittoria church in Rome. Bernini also sculpted the podium and surrounding sculptures, including the people who appear to be watching the sculpture from the sides (Bernini was an actor and director himself). It's quite amazing indeed. :)

[@AmuzeArt]

@@Art-Facts-Videos That's right.

[@for.tax.reasons]

I didn't know these saints came from non biblical sources how interesting! Edit: ok upon reflection that should have been obvious considering how many saints are historical figures haha

[@AmuzeArt]

Right, the only one discussed here that lived during Biblical times was St. Veronica, but her story is from apocryphal books and was slowly developed over time.

[@francinelimon379]

There are more than 10,000 Roman Catholic Saints. Not “hundreds”.

[@AmuzeArt]

Right, I meant female saints. I tried to look up the exact number, but apparently it is a somewhat complicated question..