Saint Margaret of Antioch

Francisco de Zurbarán, Saint Margaret of Antioch, 1630-1634, oil on canvas, 163 x 105 cm, The National Gallery, London

Margaret was born into a noble family in Antioch, and was taught about Christianity.  One day a man saw her tending her sheep and, struck by her beauty, tried to claim her.  She refused because of her faith, and she was tortured and imprisoned (where she conquered a dragon-like demon), before being beheaded.

In addition to the dragon seen here, she often carries the palm branch of martyrdom.