945. ST. AGNES ADORING.
Joachim Patinir (Early Flemish: died 1524). See 715.
St. Agnes, the young martyr virgin,—attired as a
Pensive nun, devout and pure,
Sober, steadfast, and demure,—
kneels before the infant Christ, "for knowest thou not that Agnes has been a Christian from her infancy upwards, and the husband to whom she is betrothed is no other than Jesus Christ?" The infant Christ holds a coral rosary in his hand, for he would crown her with jewels compared with which all earthly gifts are as dross. "It chanced that the son of the prefect of Rome beheld her one day as he rode through the city, and became violently enamoured, and desired to have her for his wife. He asked her in marriage of her parents, but the maiden repelled all his advances. Then he brought rich presents, bracelets of gold and gems, and rare jewels and precious ornaments, and promised her all the delights of the world if she would consent to be his wife. But she rejected him and his gifts, saying, Away from me, tempter! for I am already betrothed to a lover who is greater and fairer than any earthly suitor. To him I have pledged my faith, and he will crown me with jewels, compared to which thy gifts are dross" (Mrs. Jameson: Sacred and Legendary Art, p. 356.)
946. A MAN'S PORTRAIT.
Mabuse (Flemish: about 1470-1541). See 656.
On the back of this picture is the brand of Charles I., a crown with C. R.