Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Oil on Canvas, Framed

Description

Oil on canvas. The identification of the saint is given by the presence of the large wooden wheel, a symbol … more Oil on canvas. The identification of the saint is given by the presence of the large wooden wheel, a symbol of the instrument of her martyrdom.Usually the saint is depicted with a crown on her head and dressed in royal robes to emphasize her princely origin. Instead, here we have an atypical depiction of her, with her hair down, covered only by a large red cloak (the color of blood, hence of mortal humanity) that falls from her shoulders and forces her to cover her breasts with her hands.Her gaze is upward, where the heavens open and an angel descends from them, holding the palm of martyrdom with one hand and placing a crown of flowers on her head with the other, the symbol of her mystical marriage to Christ. It is thus a depiction that sees her at the moment of passage to eternal life, similar to a penitent Magdalene in mystical adoration, offering herself to Christ deprived of all human recognition.The color choices stand out in the painting, which against a dark and gloomy background make the red of the open sky and the mantle stand out, and the whiteness of the incarnations, both of the woman and the angel.The canvas, already restored and re-tinted, is presented in a late 19th-century worked frame, with some missing. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution less