SIMONE MARTINI
(b. 1280/85, Siena, d. 1344, Avignon)

St Margaret (detail)

1320-25
Fresco, 67 x 55 cm (size of detail)
Lower Church, San Francesco, Assisi

According to the legend St Margaret was thrown into prison because she rejected Olybrius, the Roman governor. In the prison she was attacked by the Devil and, while at prayer, swallowed by a dragon. Since she was carrying a small crucifix she was able to cut a hole in the monsters belly and escaped.

Her attributes are the cross and the dragon.