Stories of Saint Agnes, Saint Thecla, and Saint Mary Major

The stained-glass window was commissioned by the Veneranda Fabbrica to Pompeo Bertini in 1897 and was subsequently completed by his son, Guido, in 1905.

The lower part of the window is dedicated to Saint Agnes, patroness of the Visconti family, who in 1277—on January 21, the very day dedicated to her—were victorious in battle against rival family, the Torriani.

Saint Agnes is depicted examining the floor plan of a church built in Rome, providing charity to the poor, on the laborious path that would lead her to the stake.

Saved from the fire by God's intervention, she was martyred by decapitation.

The stained-glass window depicts not only Saint Agnes, but also other individuals of importance for Milan Cathedral.

Saints Roch and Victor, for example, who are looking faithfully towards the sections dedicated to the Madonna of the Snow and her miracle, in commemoration of an ancient altar present inside the Cathedral.

The upper part of the stained-glass window is dedicated to Saint Thecla, one of the earliest Christian martyrs, after whom the first basilica in Milan was named.

Saint Thecla is depicted according to iconographic tradition, with long hair, and unharmed among lions.

She is also portrayed within the panels as being on the road beside Saint Paul, her master.

Led to the stake after escaping from the wild beasts, she was miraculously saved by angels.

The final section within the window tells of the holy people's pilgrimage to Saint Thecla's temple, where her relics, some of the best loved within the tradition, are laid to rest.

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