Martyrdom of Saint Dorothea and the conversion of Teophil

The predella originally was built into the steps of the altar of Saint Christopher in the cathedral of Trento. It represents the epilogue of the earthly life of Dorothea, a saint who lived between the 3rd and 4th centuries in Caesarea, in Cappadocia, a fervent Christian known for her virtues.
Imprisoned and tortured by order of the tyrant Sapricius, Dorothea refused to recant her faith, proclaiming herself as the bride of Christ and, for this reason, she was beheaded. In the painting, the saint is kneeling to the left, while the executioner is about to unsheathe his sword.
The conversion of Master Theophil, in the background to the right, acts as counterpoint to this episode. The story is that he approached Dorothea while she was being led to her death, sarcastically asking her to send him roses and apples from her celestial spouse’s garden. Hence an angel with the face of a boy appeared to Teophil, bearing a basket of flowers and fruits. The miracle caused Teophil to convert and this contributed to electing Dorothea to the status of patron saint of fruit vendors and florists.