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.

  • Saint-Benedict

    6th century founder of the monastry at Monte Cassino in 529, the rule he established there became the norm for monastic living throughout Europe.

    See "The Golden Legend" for the medieval life of Saint Benedict.

  • Saint-Bernard-of-Clairvaux

    12th century founder and abbot of the abbey of Clairvaux. A supporter of the cult of the Virgin but not of the Immaculate Conception. Promoted the cause of a failed Second Crusade (1147–49).

  • Saint-Blaise

    A 4th-century bishop and martyr from Sebaste in Armenia, Saint Blaise is venerated as the patron saint of throat ailments. According to tradition, he miraculously cured a boy choking on a fish bone and was later martyred for his Christian faith. His feast day, celebrated on February 3rd, is associated with the Blessing of the Throats.

  • Saint-Catherine-of-Alexandria

    A Christian martyr and scholar of the 4th century, Saint Catherine of Alexandria was renowned for her wisdom and eloquence. According to tradition, she debated pagan philosophers and converted many to Christianity before being condemned to death on a spiked wheel, which miraculously broke. She was then beheaded. Saint Catherine is venerated as the patron saint of philosophers, students, and young women. See "The Golden Legend" for the medieval life of [no-glossary]St Catherine[/no-glossary].

  • Saint-Christopher

    A 3rd century saint whose name derives from the Latin for "Christ bearer". The legend of St Christopher being that he offered to carry tracellers across a river. One day when carrying a small child the child became heavier and heavier, who revealed himself to be Christ who carried the weight of the world.

    See "The Golden Legend" for the medieval life of [no-glossary]St Christopher[/no-glossary].

  • Saint-Clement

    The fourth Pope and one of the Apostolic Fathers, who is thought to have been ordained by St Peter.

    See "The Golden Legend" for the medieval life of Pope Clement.

  • Saint-Denis

    A Christian Martyr of the 3rd century who is said to have walked 6 miles after his head had been cut off.

  • Saint-Dominic

    Saint Dominic (1170–1221), was a Spanish Catholic priest and founder of the Order of Preachers, commonly called the Dominicans. Born in Caleruega, Castile, he dedicated his life to combating heresy.

  • Saint-Dorothy

    See "The Golden Legend" for the medieval life of Dorothy.

  • Saint-Elizabeth

    The mother of John the Baptist, and a relative of the Virgin Mary.

  • Saint-Elizabeth-of-Hungary

    Daughter of King Andrew II of Hungary, Elizabeth was born in 1207, and in 1221, at the age of 14 was married to the 21 year old Ludwig IV of Thuringia. Ludwig died of a fever in 1227, and Elizabeth spent the rest of her life giving money to the poor and building hospitals.

    See "The Golden Legend" for the medieval life of Elizabeth.

  • Saint-Eustace

    See "The Golden Legend" for the medieval life of Eustace.

  • Saint-Firmin

    See "The Golden Legend" for the medieval life of Firmin.

  • Saint-Foy

    A young girl of 12, who is supposed to have been martyred during the 3rd century. Legend is that she she was to have been burnt on a hot griddle, but that a dove extinguished the flames and she was beheaded instead.

  • Saint-Francis-of-Assisi

    See "The Golden Legend" for the medieval life of Frances of Assisi.

  • Saint-François-de-Sales

    A French bishop, spiritual writer, and Doctor of the Church, St François de Sales is renowned for his gentle approach to spiritual guidance and his emphasis on divine love and personal holiness. 

    Co-founded the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary with St Jane Frances de Chantal in 1610.

  • Saint-Genevieve

    A 5th century French saint who is reputed to have saved Paris from Attila the Hun, and to have later convinced Childeric I to release his prisoners.

    See "The Golden Legend?" for the medieval life of Genevieve.

  • Saint-George

    See "The Golden Legend" for the medieval life of St George.

  • Saint-Gervase

    See "The Golden Legend" for the medieval life of St Gervase.

  • Saint-Giles

    Christian saint and virgin, who was martyred in the early 4th century at the hands of the emperor Maxentius.

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