A virgin martyr named Agatha, from Sicily, was venerated in early times. Legend says that she was of noble family and pursued by a consul whom she rejected. He then denounced her as a Christian and she was tortured. Her breasts were cut off but she was miraculously healed. She later died in prison. Saint Peter is said to have visited her in a vision. In paintings, her attribute is often a dish upon which her breasts are displayed.
Saint Agatha is often invoked against fire and is the patron saint of bell-founders.