Description
Francesco Paglia attr.
Saint Catherine of Siena
Oil on canvas
71.5x89.5 cm
The central figure is Saint Catherine of Siena, recognizable through various traditional iconographic elements. Young and gentle face, with an ecstatic and contemplative expression, typical of depictions of mystic saints. Golden crown on her head, a symbol of her spiritual royalty and importance in the Church (she is a Doctor of the Church and patron saint of Italy). White veil covering her hair, characteristic of the Dominican habit, an order to which she was affiliated as a tertiary. In her right hand, she holds a palm of martyrdom and a crucifix, symbols of deep faith and mystical devotion. The palm, in particular, is also a symbol of spiritual victory and sacrifice.
The setting is sober, with a dark and undefined background, which highlights the figure of the saint within a painted oval, as if it were a framed portrait.
A mature work, attributable to the late period of Francesco Paglia's (Brescia 1635-1714) pictorial production, as can be inferred from precise stylistic references to similar works of this type present in the city of Brescia: the cycle of tondi of Saints created at the end of the century for the Basilica of Madonna delle Grazie and a Saint Eurosia in the Diocesan Seminary. Many of Paglia's peculiar stylistic references are present: for the Saint, whose likeness to the painting in the Seminary is remarkable, the diagonal cut is a figurative prototype typical of the painter. Furthermore, the tendency towards a flattening of the background is common, with a clear intention to give importance to the narrated subjects, also through the skillful use of soft light and veiled color.
From the critical sheet by Dr. Michele Peli
The painting is accompanied by:
Expertise by Dr. Michele Peli
Dimensions
71.5x89.5 cm
Provenance
Private collection
Condition
Work, on its original canvas, has recently undergone conservation restoration. Slight signs of retouching from previous restorations.
