Notburga was born around 1250 to a poor peasant family in what is now Tyrol. At the age of 18 she was employed as a cook in the castle of Count Henry of Rattenberg. When the family had eaten, she would carry the leftover food to the poor, but when Count Henry's wife, Ottilia, found out, she ordered Notburga to give the excess food to the pigs. So instead, Notburga would save most of her own meals to bring to the poor. When this came to Otillia’s attention, she dismissed Notburga from her role. Soon, the Countess fell dangerously ill, and Notburga risked her own health to nurse her, receiving no pay for this service.
 
She eventually found work with a farmer who paid her little for her long, grueling hours. Her precious spare time was spent at church. During the several years she was emolyed there she earned a reputation for being very capable and hardworking.
 
After the death of his wife and ascribing his many misfourtunes to the dismissal of Notburga, the Count begged her to return as a cook. She accepted on the condition that she be allowed to feed the hungry, and spent the rest of her life consistently helping the poor. The Count accepted these terms and she stayed with the family until her death in 1313. Shortly before her death she asked Count Henry to place her corpse on a wagon drawn by two oxen, and to bury her wherever the oxen would stand still. The oxen drew the wagon to the chapel of Saint Rupert near Eben, where she was buried.
 
 
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.