Arrival of Saint Ursula at Cologne

Bernardo Daddi

about 1333

Tempera and gold leaf on panel, Tempera

J. Paul Getty Museum

Three boats approach the German city of Cologne where Saint Ursula, on her way back north after a pilgrimage to Rome, was martyred together with her virgin companions. Ursula, identified by her crown and golden halo, sits under a baldachin in the stern of the foreground boat; their imminent arrival is given immediacy by the two women who reach out toward the shore. The middle boat carries Pope Ciriacus and his bishops. More of Ursula’s attendants follow in the last boat. Banners depicting the arms of Ursula and Ciriacus fly from the bow of each vessel. The scene is filled with closely observed details like the billowing sails and th