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Saint Catherine of Alexandria

CaravaggioAround 1598

Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza

Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
Madrid, Spain

This painting was almost certainly commissioned in Rome by Caravaggio's first patron, Cardinal Francesco Maria del Monte. Captured in a strikingly natural pose, the figure of St Catherine has been identified as Fillide Melandroni, a celebrated courtesan of the time. Richly dressed in robes befitting a princess, and kneeling on a cushion, she gazes out at the viewer surrounded by the attributes of her martyrdom: the breaking—wheel, the sword with which she was beheaded and the martyr's palm. The dramatic lighting of the scene creates a chiaroscuro effect characteristic of Caravaggio, whose approach to light and volume—evident in this canvas—was to have considerable impact both in Italy and throughout Europe.

Details

  • Title: Saint Catherine of Alexandria
  • Creator: Caravaggio
  • Creator Death Place: Porto Ercole, Italy
  • Creator Birth Place: Milan or Caravaggio, Italy
  • Date Created: Around 1598
  • Location: Madrid, Spain
  • Style: 17th Century Italian Painting
  • Physical Dimensions: 173 x 133 cm
  • Type: Painting
  • External Link: Work details on the museum's website
  • Medium: Oil on canvas

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