Mid 16th-Century Antique Carved Oak Panel, Depicting Saint Barbara, The Patron Saint of Artillerymen, Miners & Engineers

A mid-16th-century antique carved oak panel of elongated form.

With leaf and bud corner spandrels over an arcaded frieze with a figure of a Saint, possibly Saint Barbara, standing full length. Depicted wearing a bonnet, wearing robes and holding a peacock in her left hand. The bird stands next to a tower.

The peacock symbolises symbolizes Saint Barbara's  home city of Heliopolis, and is also a symbol of immortality. 

The tower is recounted in legend, how her father, a pagan noble, locked her in a tower to protect her from unwanted suitors and to prevent her from converting to Christianity. 

Symbol of the Holy Trinity:

While imprisoned, she converted to Christianity and is said to have insisted on having three windows added to the tower, symbolizing the three persons of the Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. 

Patron Saint Associations:

Because of her association with the tower and her martyrdom, St. Barbara became a patron saint of those who work with explosives (artillerymen, miners, engineers), builders, and those facing unexpected peril.

Possibly French or Flemish origin. The panel may once have formed part of a joined piece of furniture, such as a chest, now long since lost.

A decorative item that displays well.

Provenance - Unknown. Found within the UK.

Condition: Surface wear as per the images. Traces of old historic worm - inactive but treated as a precautionary measure. A further condition report is available upon request.

Size: H 46 cm x W 23.5 cm x D 3.2 cm (18" x 9 1/4" x 1 1/4")