The martyrdom of Saint Agnes. Pen and ink drawing by F. Rosaspina (?) after D. Zampieri, il Domenichino, 1619-21.

Agnes was condemned to be burnt; but the fire instead consumed her executioners, whom we see lying on the ground. Here, seated on a pyre, she is being stabbed in the throat with a stiletto. A lamb can be seen next to the pyre, connected with Agnes through assonance with Latin 'agnus', lamb

The lower half of Domenichino's altarpiece, showing the saint being stabbed in the throat. The upper scene showing an angel receiving the attributes of martyrdom from Christ is omitted

1 drawing : pen and ink, with grey wash ; border 24.2 x 29.6 cm

Wellcome Collection 11761i