This splendid mid-17th-century Flemish oil painting depicts Saint Catherine of Siena. It’s after a composition by Italian painter, Francesco Vanni (1563-1610).
Here, we see Catherine wearing a crown of thorns and leaning towards a bible, which is propped up by a skull. She’s embracing a flowering crucifix displaying the lettering INRI (Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum), ‘Jesus The Nazarene, King Of The Jews’. Vanni’s original was engraved and distributed widely, particularly by Flemish printmakers who flourished during the 16th century. So, it’s conceivable that our version was based upon one such interpretation.
Saint Catherine was her mother’s 25th child and born in Siena during a plague outbreak in 1347. At 16, her sister, Bonaventura, died, leaving her husband a widower and Catherine’s parents suggested that he should marry her as a suitable replacement. Somewhat unenthused by the idea, she undertook to render herself less attractive by cutting her hair short and fasting, which eventually led to her parents relenting.
“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” Saint Catherine of Siena.
Her life was, from this point forward, destined to be one of piety, goodwill and religious devotion - she would assist those in need. At 21, she claimed to have married Christ who presented her with a ring, which was, according to some, made of his skin. This miraculous event further encouraged others to support her cause and she developed a loyal following.
Aside from her kindly philanthropic acts, Catherine also became a vocal advocate for Church reform and she’s credited with numerous counts of political activism. In 1377, she established a monastery for women, close to Siena.
Saint Catherine’s feast day is celebrated on the 29th of April.
Held in a later gilt frame.
Medium: Oil on copper
Overall size: 8” x 10” / 20cm x 25cm
Year of creation: c. 1650
Provenance: Private collection, Germany.
Condition: Cleaned. Minor surface losses. Frame in good condition with minor age-related wear.
Our reference: BRV2052
