Notre Dame - Saints of the Embrasures
In Christian iconography, the saints are represented each with a characteristic symbol. In the case of a martyr, this symbol is often the instrument of the man or woman's torture, while in other cases, it is a detail from their life or ministry. We readily recognize St. Peter (rt.) because of his key, St. John the Baptist (cntr.) from the lamb he carries, St. Paul (not pictured here) from his sword and his bald head. On the left, we see St. Dionysius or Denis, first bishop of Paris and patron saint of France. Decapitated, according to tradition, on Montmartre around the year 250, Dennis always carries his head in his hands.