St Catherine Carried To Her Tomb By Angels (fresco from the Villa Pelucca at Sesto San Giovanni) Bernardino (Bernardino de Scapis) Luini (c.1480-1532)

The fresco presents a scene of solemn procession and ethereal grace. Here we observe a female figure, draped in vibrant red robes, being borne aloft by three winged figures. The composition is horizontally oriented, emphasizing the movement across the space. The central figure, presumably the deceased, lies recumbent, her face turned slightly towards the viewer, conveying an expression that blends serenity with resignation. Her posture suggests both vulnerability and a certain regal dignity.
The supporting angels are rendered in varying hues – one with golden-yellow hair, another with auburn tones, and the third displaying violet garments – creating visual interest and subtly differentiating their roles within the group. Their wings, depicted with considerable detail, contribute to the sense of lightness and otherworldly transport. The artist has employed a soft modeling technique, blurring sharp outlines and creating an atmosphere of gentle luminosity around the figures.
Below the procession sits a substantial architectural element – a sarcophagus or tomb – which grounds the scene in a tangible reality while simultaneously contrasting with the celestial nature of the event unfolding above. The relief carving on its surface features putti (cherubic figures) engaged in playful activity, juxtaposed against an inscription within a circular frame. This interplay between the solemnity of death and the carefree innocence of childhood introduces a layer of complexity to the narrative.
The color palette is restrained but impactful. The dominant red of the deceased’s robes draws immediate attention, symbolizing passion, sacrifice, or perhaps martyrdom. The muted tones of the angels attire and the background contribute to an overall sense of quiet reverence. The limited depth of field flattens the perspective, characteristic of fresco painting, which further emphasizes the symbolic nature of the scene rather than a realistic depiction of space.
Subtly, the work explores themes of mortality, divine intervention, and the transition between earthly existence and spiritual afterlife. The juxtaposition of the playful putti with the solemn procession suggests an acceptance of death as part of the natural cycle, while the angels’ presence implies divine comfort and guidance in this passage. The inscription on the sarcophagus likely provides further contextual information about the deceased, potentially revealing her identity and significance within a specific historical or familial context.