Raphael – Saint Catherine of Alexandria Part 6 National Gallery UK

Description of Raphael’s painting of St. Catherine of Alexandria by Santi

Many Renaissance artists depicted the image of St. Catherine. The famous Italian master of the brush, Raphael, was no exception, depicting the Christian martyr St. Catherine leaning on a wheel. The canvas was supposedly created in 1507, when Raphael decided to move from Florence to Rome.

It should be mentioned that Raphael borrowed the curve of the woman’s body itself from Leonardo da Vinci (the painting Leda), and some features he picked up from a group of Hellenistic sculptures he saw in Rome. It was they who inspired the artist to paint a masterpiece of art.

Why did Raphael turn to the image of St. Catherine of Alexandria? According to legend, it was she who Jesus called his bride by giving her a ring. During the reign of Maximian, the fourth-century emperor, Catherine accused him of worshipping paganism and declared that she truly believed in Jesus Christ.

Imperial majesty could not change the saint’s mind; she was not tempted by possible fame and fortune. After her categorical refusal to renounce her faith, Catherine was thrown into prison. The saint herself put her head under the executioner’s sword, and after the execution Catherine’s body disappeared.

One cannot help but notice that Raphael depicted the female Renaissance ideal with brush and paint. Slightly pinkish skin tone, a blush on the cheek, copper hair, thick black eyebrows, round oval face, slightly fuller shoulders. This is what the woman in the painting looks like - a symbol of vitality, which attracts mental purity and strong faith.

The work of painting "Saint Catherine" has a religious content. This painting by Raphael is considered one of the best in Italian art, which presents the viewer with an artistic image of St. Catherine of Alexandria. The canvas has excellent light and shade and marks the mastery of the artist’s style.