In art, Saint Agatha is often represented as a majestic virgin wearing a long veil, and over this, in early figures, a crown, the symbol of her victory over death; she usually holds a clasped book in her left hand, and a palm branch in the right; occasionally the place of this latter emblem is supplied by a pair of pincers, having a nipple between the teeth, in allusion to the fearful torture to which she was subjected. Sometimes she carries both her breasts cut off in a dish, or a sword is passed through them.
More photos at the Wikimedia entry for St Agatha of Sicily
Agatha was born rich and noble, and still consecrated her virginity and self to Christ from a young age. Enraged that she refused his advances, a prefect organized for her to be sent to a brothel. When she remained steadfast, she was tried in court, tortured and imprisoned. St Peter is known to have appeared to her and restored her severed breasts. She died rolled in coals, and is venerated as a patron of breast cancer. Meet Agatha
