The woodcut depicts saints as intercessors and models of Christian virtue, emphasizing a communal aspect of sainthood. The top three saints, Saint Damian, Saint Pantaleon, and Saint Cosmas, were all physicians, highlighting their significant roles in Christian hagiography. The woodcut medium played a crucial role in disseminating devotional imagery, especially during the Reformation. The attire and attributes of the saints served as visual cues for identifying their martyrdom, patronage, or miracles. This imagery was an important didactic tool for teaching about the lives and virtues of the saints within the Catholic tradition.
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This work is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 100 years or fewer. This photographic reproduction is considered to be in the public domain in the United States. In other jurisdictions, re-use of this content may be restricted.
Source
Saint Damian, Saint Pantaleon and Saint Cosmas with four other saints below. Woodcut.
