How to Read Paintings: Saint Lucy by Francesco del Cossa

Understanding the symbolism in this fascinating painting

Published in

Thinksheet

5 min readMar 29, 2022

Saint Lucy (c. 1473–1474) by Francesco del Cossa. Tempera on poplar panel. 77.2 × 56 cm. *National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., U.S. Image source* *NGA* *(open access)*

This intriguing image was painted by the Italian artist Francesco del Cossa. Made around 1474, it shows the Christian Saint Lucy against a background of gold. She holds a palm leaf in one hand and a pair of eyes growing on a stalk in the other.

How to Read Paintings: Saint Lucy by Francesco del Cossa

Understanding the symbolism in this fascinating painting

Written by Christopher P Jones