Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Workshop of Guido Reni (Bologna 1575 - 1642)

Workshop of Guido Reni (Bologna 1575 - 1642) Saint Catherine of Alexandria oil on canvas (Dimensions (cm.): 96 x 73 - with frame 112 x 88)   The splendid work on display depicts a beautiful female figure, with rich attire and refined features, who looks down.   It is Saint Catherine of Alexandria, recognizable by her typical iconographic attributes: the crown and regal garments, which allude to her princely origin, the palm in one hand, and the toothed wheel, recalling her martyrdom.   Thanks to her noble origins, Catherine of Alexandria was able to dedicate her life to study, surrounding herself with wise and learned individuals, becoming very knowledgeable, especially in philosophy and religion; her figure, which has produced a rich iconography throughout Europe, has had a great following for the characteristics that distinguish her: she represents, in fact, a woman of great intelligence, redeeming a centuries-old prejudice, of strong and intrepid character, capable of opposing force with the determination of her faith and her knowledge.   We are looking at a painting of uncommon beauty, a female portrait that instills in the observer's eyes a sense of uncommon formal perfection, made tangible by details such as the grace of her bearing, the precision of the Saint's face and hands, who appears to us proud and aristocratic, without pompous accessories or jewels that could distract attention. This is despite the painting being characterized by a profoundly spiritual air, with the Saint isolated in meditation and silent devotion.   Specifically, it is a high-quality version of the famous Saint Catherine of Alexandria that Guido Reni created around 1638 - as a pendant to a Saint Margaret - for the Roman collection of Lorenzo Onofrio Colonna (1637-1689) and which is currently housed in the City Art Gallery of Manchester [1].   In our case, we are looking at a valuable version that, referring to the best of Reni's figurative culture, would attest to its paternity within the master's close circle, likely connecting it to one of his collaborators or pupils. Focusing on the stylistic characteristics of the canvas, we are inclined to suggest as a possible author one of the master's closest pupils, specifically Francesco Gessi (Bologna 1588 - 1649), both for the pictorial execution and the stylistic features, the chromatic choices tending towards a brilliant but serene palette, and above all for the details of the face.   [1] https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/saint-catherine-205893 Saint Catherine - Guido Reni (1575–1642) - Manchester Art Gallery   The painting is completed by a pleasant wooden frame and is sold with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.   We handle and organize the transport of purchased artworks, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.   Contact us for any information, we will be happy to answer you.   Follow us also on :   https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/