This figural rendition by Pietro da Cortona depicts Saint Martina, who was considered a martyr from Rome and was considered as a venerated in Rome. Further, Cortona was involved in the restoration process of the Church of Santi Luca in Rome, which is believed to make him the direct connection with Saint Martina, and hence it became an important subject of art for him to render. Also, this painting's female figure could be considered as Saint Martina through the particular palm branch she holds. As the branch is a symbolic element of traditional practices, which makes her a martyr, the victory over death could be sensed through strong faith. Furthermore, in the painting, a faint halo around her head could be seen, which further reflects the emotions of sanctity and her spiritual status for a moment to the viewers. Here, in the painting, Martina could be seen as a youthful woman who is beautiful and graceful altogether. Where her beauty becomes a symbol of purity and divinity for the society. And also she does not gaze directly towards the viewers, and this creates a quite contemplative expression and gesture which becomes a connecting cord between the divine realm, which is beyond the visible world. Saint Martina could be seen seated in a very relaxed pose, which directly asserts the acceptance of sacrifices and spiritual peace within her. Further, she could be seen adorned in very luxurious clothes, where the richness of the drapery colours, such as deep red and silver, with a touch of blue, reflects the feel of honour and nobility together in her personality. Beyond all this, the intricate detail by Cortona for rendering her bare foot reflects earthly touch and humanity in Saint Martina. Therefore, Saint Martina’s painting presents her in a very idealised manner with deep emotions and soft facial features, which makes her adoration for a long period. Lastly, Cortona has provided a very fine touch of Baroque techniques in the painting with precision by transforming Saint Martina as a martyr with a graceful embodiment of beauty, which reflects divinity and devotion together.
The painting above, titled 'St.Martina', I one the several artwork series created by Pietro da Cortona, a famous painter and architect of Renaissance Italy. An expert baroque painter and artist, Cortona found himself drawn to her legacy after he discovered her relics while working on the renovation of the church of Santi Luca e Martina in Rome, Italy. Between 1634-45, Cortona created a series of paintings where St. Martina became the central figure, the above painting being one of them. The painting above presents a fine example of art in Renaissance, marked by its accuracy in human anatomy and three dimensional effect. The painter here depicts Saint Martina, a Roman Virginia and martyr as a beautiful, elegant young lady, symbolizing purity, draped in rich blue, red and silver. In the picture, she is holding a forked iron hook and a palm frond, symbolizing chastity and spiritual victory. The painting not only express the artistic mastery of the painter, but also his deep devotion and admiration towards the figure.
