This is a late 18th century or early 19th century oil on wood painting of Santa Heduvigi or Saint Hedwig in English. She was a 13th century princess in Poland (Silesia). When she was widowed and lost all but one of her children, she turned her wealth and status into helping the needy. She spent the rest of her life attending to orphans and the poor. There is a Spanish inscription at her feet which speaks of the insolvent debtors, the poor, unknown, hidden and desolate. She appears to be holding a gold coin in one outstretched hand and bread or wafer in the other. She is solicited in prayer by those in dire need. The painting and frame measure 13 1/4 by 10 1/4. The painting is darkened by the smoke of thousands of candles over a hundred years. The later date frame has had numerous repairs and does not meet tightly at the corners. Someone with better skills than I might wish to make adjustments. Saint Hedwig might well be called upon anew considering all that is happening.
