Painting - Oil On Copper - Saint Catherine - 17th Century

Painting, oil on copper depicting Saint Catherine of Alexandria*, identifiable by the traditional attributes of her iconography. Her face, with a gaze imbued with gentleness, is surrounded by a golden halo, a symbol of holiness. She is dressed in a noble dress in rich tones of red and white, evoking both her princely condition and her purity. In her gamiche hand, she holds the palm of martyrdom, emblem of her unshakeable faith and her sacrifice. A sword, symbol of her beheading, is depicted planted above her right hand, reinforcing the dramatic and sacred character of the scene. Tenon frame in wood richly carved in relief with floral motifs European work from the 17th century (Flemish or Italian school)* Saint Catherine of Alexandria lived in the 4th century AD, it is said according to history, that the emperor Maxentius wanted to marry her, Catherine having refused, she was imprisoned and martyred.