This is St. Agnes, a martyr at approximately age 13. She was a beautiful Roman girl who refused numerous offers of marriage, having promised herself to Christ alone. Not being swayed by many gifts, including offers from the governor and his son, she was beheaded in 304. Even the pagan Romans decried the disgrace of publicly executing one so young and attractive. She is extolled in the Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican and Lutheran traditions.
To honor her, this lovely face was sculpted by Alfred Drury, in England, in 1894.
It is actually not a bronze, but made of plaster with a bronzed and burnished patina expertly applied.
Drawing done at the DIA, charcoal and pastel, in about 4 hours.
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