POSSIBLY SIENA, LATE 15TH CENTURY

In the handling of drapery, swaying contrapposto pose and angular facial features, this figure can be compared with another figure of Saint Justina of Padua by the late 15th century sculptor Giovanni Minelli, now in the Kaiser Friedrich-Museum, Berlin (illus. L. Planiscig, Venezianische Bildhauer der Renaissance, 1921, p. 158, fig. 168).

Saint Justina, whose name is derived from the Latin justitia, justice, is shown here with the Book and Sword of Judgement. An early Christian virgin martyr, Saint Justina was slain by the sword for her faith.