Dutch school, 16th century

Dutch school, 16th century.
"Saint Margarita".
In polychrome oak wood.
Presents loss of hands.
Measurements: 40 x 17 x 11.5 cm.
Saint Margaret of Antioch (born in Pisidia, Antioch, ¿ - 304) was a Christian martyr who is part of the Holy Helpers. She died during the persecution of Diocletian. She converted to Christianity at a young age, her father disowned her, and she had to work as a shepherdess. She rejected the affections of the prefect, refusing to convert to paganism, which earned her imprisonment. Imprisoned, she expelled a demon from her throat (or a demon in the form of a dragon appeared to her and devoured her, leaving her body by tearing her skin with a crucifix), and she was then subjected to torture, which she survived. She finally died, decapitated. A model of the consecrated virgins, she is considered to be a help in childbirth, and is often shown with the dragon, either tied to her feet or tearing them with the crucifix, or guarding her flock with a cross and a rosary.