St. Ursula and Companions, Virgins, Martyrs
The Legend of St. Ursula: Apotheosis of St. Ursula. Vittore Carpaccio 1491. Galleria dell'Accademia, Venice, Italy. St Ursula, virgin and martyr, is a saint of the 3rd or 4th century. She was accompanied by some virgin companions who were also martyred. The number of the martyrs varies from five to eleven. She has been venerated by the whole of Christendom for many centuries. Some of the elements of Ursula's story may be legend, but her existence and sanctity are proven. Her colorful story provided the basis for some of the most beautiful works of art in medieval and renaissance Europe. Tradition tells us that Ursula was a beautiful and virtuous princess, the daughter of Dionotus, the King of Cornwall. By order of the Emperor Maximilian, she and many young women were betrothed to some of his subjects in Armorica. Ursula had already consecrated her life to Christ and desired to remain a virgin, so she insisted on many difficult conditions being fulfilled before marriage. She de...
