Saint Agnes was an early Christian martyr, traditionally believed to have died in Rome during the persecutions of the late third or early fourth century. According to early Christian tradition, Agnes was only twelve or thirteen years old when she refused to marry the son of the Prefect of Rome and rejected participation in pagan sacrifice, declaring her commitment to Christ.

As punishment, she was publicly humiliated and condemned to a brothel, where she was miraculously protected from sexual violence. Further attempts to execute her by fire failed, and she was ultimately killed by the sword, sealing her martyrdom. Agnes quickly became one of the most venerated virgin martyrs of the early Church, her cult spreading widely in both East and West.

In Christian art, Saint Agnes ⓘ is typically shown as a young, long-haired girl, emphasising her youth and purity. Her most frequent attribute is a lamb (agnus), a visual pun on her name and a symbol of innocence and sacrificial death. She may also appear with a dove, sometimes holding a ring in its beak, alluding to spiritual betrothal and heavenly reward. Saint Agnes remains a powerful symbol of chastity, faith, and steadfastness under persecution.