Stories of Saint Catherine of Alexandria
Martyr and patron of philosophers, cyclists, and ladies in search of a husband.
Stories of Saint Catherine of Alexandria (1556; 19th century (remakes)) by Corrado de MochisVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
Saint Catherine of Alexandria
Traditionally, Catherine is depicted as a young, cultivated lady, who is graceful and a lover of philosophy. Born in Alexandria in Egypt between the 3rd and the 4th centuries, at the time of the Emperor Maxentius, Catherine becomes a martyr after rejecting the emperor, pursuing her own Christian faith. The liturgical feast of Saint Catherine is celebrated on November 25. She is the patron saint of - among the others - philosophers, millers and students.
Catherine's life is told in the panels of the Cathedral's stained-glass window V14, in the southern transept of the Duomo; it was made between 1549 and 1557 by Corrado de Mochis from Cologne, based on cartoons by Biagio and Giuseppe Arcimboldi.
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Stories of Saint Catherine of Alexandria (1556; 19th century (remakes)) by Corrado de MochisVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
The window, which has four lancets, was realized between 1550 and 1556. The episodes are to be read from left to right, and in this case, in contrast to the norm, from top to bottom.
A vibrant Annunciation, interspersed with lush twists of flowers and fruits opens the story. These are grotesque, figures in which circles of cherubs are framed with boughs and gemstones: a real abundance of colors.
The main episodes from the life of the Saint are shown: Catherine's parents praying God to receive the blessing of having a child. The supplications are answered, and a beautiful baby girl is born.
The little girl is entrusted to a Christian preceptor.
From childhood, Catherine dedicated herself to the study of philosophy, and showed great intellectual vivacity.
She was beautiful and intelligent, and, in this panel, an angel is depicted suggetsing her to pursue a virginal life.
The girl attracted the attention of Emperor Maxentius and therefor was invited by letter to meet him.
The Appearance of the Virgin Mary and Child is prelude to Baptism which follows the Mystic Marriage to Jesus: her life is mapped out. And it is that of holiness.
The anxious emperor receives Catherine who implores him to give up idolatry and to convert. She is bold enough to rebuke the emperor for his pagan faith. She has a clear ability to debate.
Maxentius calls the wise men in the kingdom, to convince Catherine to abandon her Christian faith, hoping that philosophers and scholars would be capable of changing her mind. But it is all in vain.
The Saint faces the scholars and wise men, and actually manages to convince them to embrace the Christian faith. But the sentence soon arrives.
The converted wise men are punished and burned at the stake.
Saint Catherine, however, is taken to prison on the orders of the emperor.
Remarkable the episode Saint Catherine of Alexandria scourged; but she survives and therefore is taken back to prison, nothing can dissuade her from her decision.
Saint Catherine of Alexandria scourged (1974) by Corrado de MochisVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
The original panel depicting the Scourging of Saint Catherine is currently exhibited in the Duomo Museum and has been replaced in the Cathedral by a 19th-century copy, from the Bertini workshop.
Stories of Saint Catherine of Alexandria (1556; 19th century (remakes)) by Corrado de MochisVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
In prison she receives a visit from the emperor's wife and Porfirio, who try to persuade her to give up her Christian faith.
The time has come for her martyrdom; however, the cogwheel miraculously breaks. Saint Catherine is saved and is taken back to prison. The emperor and Porfirio convert to Christianity.
The stained-glass window ends with panels depicting the Beheading of Saint Catherine and the Angels transporting her body onto Mount Sinai.
Angels helping, angels messengers from God.
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