The First Vision of St. Perpetua

Heaven meets earth in this striking altarpiece design commemorating Vibia Perpetua, a Carthaginian noblewoman who suffered martyrdom with St. Felicity and other companions around the turn of the third century. According to the early account of their passion, Perpetua experienced several prophetic visions in the days prior to her execution, beginning with a dream of a dangerous ladder leading to paradise. George and Polly’s dramatic depiction of the pivotal revelation stresses the connection between adversity and victory, suffering and redemption, at the heart of the Christian worldview for which St. Perpetua so courageously gave her life.