COD 11441
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.