Amelia was born in 741 into a noble and pious Christian family near Belgium. She had a strong character and vowed her virginity to Christ at a young age. Because she was a beautiful and virtuous woman, however, she was pursued for several years by a young Charlemagne. According to one account, Charlemagne broke her arm in a struggle to hold her hand, and her arm was miraculously healed afterwards. When he realized his romantic interest was not reciprocated he relented and let Amelia enter the convent.
 
She spent the rest of her life in the Benedictine abbey of Münster-Bilzen in Belgium, and helped to build a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Temsche. She is said to have performed many miracles, the most famous being the one in which she crossed the Schelde River while standing on the back of a giant sturgeon fish. 
 
Because of her good works and evangelization, Amelia was arrested and imprisoned, and subjected to torture and abuse. She remained steadfast in her faith, however, and refused to renounce her belief in Christ. Amelia was eventually sentenced to death and beheaded in the year 303.
 
This print is part of the "Happy Saint" collection by Anna Morelli.
 
The image is professionally printed, hand-signed by the artist, and comes enclosed in a plastic sleeve to ensure protection.