Lot 47 - Annie Nichols - Santa Lucia's Eyes on a Tazza 1

About 
Originally training and working as a chef, Annie also studied fine art, and her art practice is heavily influenced by food, the etiquette of table service, privilege, desire and collecting. 

Statement about AOAP Submitted Artwork  
46 Saint Agata's Breasts on a Tazza 1  
(AKA Tits on a Tazza) – 2025 

In 251 CE Saint Agata of Sicily defied a powerful Roman official Quintianus, rejecting his romantic advances and refusing to renounce her Christian faith. So, he had her tortured and her breasts torn off in an attempt to control and silence her. But she remained defiant.  

She became a symbol of resilience and strength and is often depicted holding a plate or tazza containing her severed breasts. 

In Sicily, on her feast day, breast-shaped, ‘Minne di Sant’ Agata’ buns are made honouring Saint Agata, the patron saint of sexual violence victims, breast cancer patients, martyrs, and bellringers.  

Her story reflects a long history of women resisting control, who face violent punishment for their defiance, and a stark reminder of violence inflicted on women across the globe today, who continue to stand up for their beliefs and rights despite violence and oppression. 

47 Annie Nichols Santa Lucia's Eyes on a Tazza 1 

In 304 CE, in Syracuse, Sicily, Santa Lucia was promised in an arranged marriage to a wealthy suitor. She refused, having vowed to remain a virgin and dedicate her life to God. Enraged, the suitor betrayed her as a Christian to the Roman authorities during a time of brutal persecution. She was tortured, forced into prostitution, and eventually executed; her eyes gouged out before her death. 

Santa Lucia is often depicted carrying a plate or tazza containing her eyes, symbolizing strength and perseverance.  

Her story reflects a long history of women resisting control, who face violent punishment for their defiance, and a stark reminder of violence inflicted on women across the globe today, who continue to stand up for their beliefs and rights despite violence and oppression. 

Santa Lucia is the patron saint of vision and light, the blind, ophthalmologists, glaziers and stained glass workers. 

48 Annie Nichols Santa Lucia's Eyes on a Tazza 2 

In 304 CE, in Syracuse, Sicily, Santa Lucia was promised in an arranged marriage to a wealthy suitor. She refused, having vowed to remain a virgin and dedicate her life to God. Enraged, the suitor betrayed her as a Christian to the Roman authorities during a time of brutal persecution. She was tortured, forced into prostitution, and eventually executed; her eyes gouged out before her death. 

Santa Lucia is often depicted carrying a plate or tazza containing her eyes, symbolizing strength and perseverance.  

Her story reflects a long history of women resisting control, who face violent punishment for their defiance, and a stark reminder of violence inflicted on women across the globe today, who continue to stand up for their beliefs and rights despite violence and oppression. 

Santa Lucia is the patron saint of vision and light, the blind, ophthalmologists, glaziers and stained glass workers.