People and entities commonly described or once thought of as saints in Christian beliefs. The images of many of these figures follow a consistent theme showing a particular aspect of their life history, or of their death. As such the symbolism within the image made recognition of saint possible in different compositions. Often the donor of a statue, painting, or stained glass window, would incorporate an image of a saint associated with the person commissioning the work.
- Gabriel
One of the archangels, Gabriel serves as a divine messenger in the Bible. He appears to the prophet Daniel to explain visions and later announces the births of John the Baptist to Zechariah and Jesus to Mary. Gabriel’s role symbolizes revelation, guidance, and the communication of God’s will to humanity.
- Joan-of-Arc
French girl that has become a National Heroine in France. She raised the siege at Orleans and other battles during the later part of the hundred years war, which led to the coronation of Charles VII of France.
- John-the-Baptist
A relative of Jesus and considered by Christians to be the precursor of Jesus. John led a movement of Baptism in the Jordan and is reputed to have baptised Jesus. He was killed by beheading after he had condemned Herod for marrying his brother's wife.
See the "Golden Legend" for the medieval story of the birth and death of John the Baptist.
- Martha
A follower of Jesus and sister of Mary and Lazarus, Martha is known for her hospitality and practical nature. In the Gospels, she welcomes Jesus into her home and later expresses deep faith in him at the raising of her brother Lazarus. Her story highlights service, faith, and devotion in daily life.
- Mary-Magdalene
Mary was one of Jesus' follows in Galilee, healed of seven devils, she was present at the crucifixion, was the person to find the tomb empty, was the first person whom Jesus appeared to and given the task of announcing his Resurrection.
See "The Golden Legend" for the medieval life of Mary Magdalene.
- Mary-of-Clopas
Mentioned in the New Testament as one of the women present at the Crucifixion of Jesus, Mary of Clopas is described as standing near the cross alongside Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene. She is believed to be the wife of Clopas and possibly a relative of Jesus. Her presence symbolizes loyalty, compassion, and steadfast faith.
- Raphael
One of the archangels, Raphael is known from the Book of Tobit as a healer and guide. Disguised as a human companion, he accompanies Tobias on his journey, protects him from danger, and cures his father Tobit’s blindness. Raphael’s name means “God heals,” and he symbolizes divine guidance, protection, and healing.
- Saint-Agnes
3rd century martyr who at the age of 12 or 13 refused to marry the son of the Prefect of Rome, and refused to sacrifice to the Roman gods. Accordingly she was striped and sent to a brothel but escaped being raped by miraculous means. Killed by a sword when the fire she was to have been burnt on didn't burn.
See "The Golden Legend" for the medieval life of Agnes.
- Saint-Aidan
Saint Aidan was the first bishop of Lindisfarne. He is credited with restoring Christianity to England.
- Saint-Alban
St Alban was a pagan who sheltered a Christian priest from persecution, and subsequently converted to Christianity. He then dressed in the priests clothes and gave himself up in the place of the priest. He has executed on a hill above the town of St Albans.
See "The Golden Legend" for the medieval life of Alban.
- Saint-Albinus-of-Angers
Saint Aubinus (Aubin) was a 6th century French Bishop of Angers, who was born in Brittany. He campaigned against marriages between close family members amongst the aristocracy. According to tradition he paid for the release of captives held by pirates, and for the release of prisoners.
- Saint-Ambrose
Late 4th century opponent of Arianism was Archbishop of Milan from 375 to 397
- Saint-Andrew
One of the apostles and disciple of Jesus. The brother of St Peter. Founder and first bishop of the church of Byzantium.
See "The Golden Legend" for the medieval life of Andrew.
- Saint-Anne
Mother of the Virgin Mary. Often shown teaching the child Mary to read, otherwise she is depicted as a grandmother figure with a young Mary and an infant Jesus.
- Saint-Anthony-of-Padua
Born in Portugal in 1195 Anthony became a Franciscan friar, noted for his preaching and knowledge of the bible. He died in Padua in 1231 and was canonized by Pope Gregory IX a year later.
Anthony of Padua is often depicted in art with an open book on which the Christ child appears.
- Saint-Apollonia
Saint Apollonia is one of the virgin martyrs. Tradition is that prior to being killed she had her teeth pulled out.
- Saint-Augustine
Early Christian theologian and philosopher who's "Confessions" and "City of God", profoundly influenced Western Christianity and philosophy. Augustine’s ideas on grace, free will, and original sin shaped theological debates for centuries.
- Saint-Barbara
Mythical 3rd century figure who was tortured during the day but whose wounds healed over night and was eventually beheaded by her father.
- Saint-Barnabas
Although he was not one of the original twelve Barnabas is considered, because of his preaching, to be one of the apostles of Jesus.
- Saint-Bartholomew
Saint Bartholomew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, traditionally identified with Nathanael in the Gospel of John. He is venerated as a missionary and martyr, reputed to have preached in regions such as India, Mesopotamia, and Armenia. His martyrdom, according to legend, involved being flayed alive and then beheaded, a fate that profoundly shaped his iconography.