Wooden plaque of St Lucy, Spain, c. 1601-1700

Wooden plaque of Saint Lucy, Spain, 1601-1700. St. Lucy was martyred in the 3rd century AD during the persecution of the Christians by the Roman Emperor Diocletian. She became a patron of eye problems because legend told how she never wished to marry, and when a suitor admired her eyes, she plucked them out in scorn to discourage his advances. Miraculously they grew back again.