Mystical Marriage of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, 1650, Oil on Canvas

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A splendid 17th-century italian painting. This oil on canvas artwork depicts the mystical marriage of saint catherine of alexandria, recognizable … Read more A splendid 17th-century italian painting. This oil on canvas artwork depicts the mystical marriage of saint catherine of alexandria, recognizable by the cogwheel of martyrdom in the foreground. A princess of alexandria, egypt, rejected all earthly marriage, declaring herself already the bride of christ. During a mystical vision, the virgin appeared to her with the child, who placed a ring on her finger, sealing an eternal spiritual union.

the scene is set in an intimate, domestic context, with the figures depicted in simple, contemporary clothing, reflecting a humanized interpretation attributable to mid-17th-century lombardy. The composition, of remarkable pictorial quality, is characterized by a warm, enveloping light and a natural rendering of the figures. On the left, we see the saint extending her hand and the gesture of the ring offered by jesus. Behind her, a man in chain mail watches the scene, presumably a portrait of the patron. The child is held in the loving arms of the madonna, while saint joseph is glimpsed in the background.

a rare artwork of great spiritual intensity, ideal for prestigious settings, both classical and modern. The 20th-century carved and gilded wooden frame shows various signs of aging. The painting has already been restored with re-lining, replacement of the stretcher, and repainting in some areas. Overall, it is in good condition. Internal dimensions: h 99 x w 75 cm. See less