St. Justa and St. Rufina, between circa 1665 and circa 1666
Oil on canvas
Height: 200 cm (78.7 in); Width: 176 cm (69.2 in)
Museum of Fine Arts of Seville
Saints Justa and Rufina are venerated as martyrs. They are said to have been martyred at Hispalis (Seville) during the 3rd century. The two saints are highly honored in the medieval Hispanic liturgy.
Their legend states that they were sisters and natives of Seville who made fine earthenware pottery for a living, with which they supported themselves and many of the city’s poor. Traditionally, they are said to have lived in the neighborhood of Triana. Born of a poor but pious Christian family. During a pagan festival, they refused to sell their wares for use in these celebrations. In anger, locals broke all of their dishes and pots. Justa and Rufina retaliated by smashing an image of Venus…
Zaidan Gallery 
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