This painting is part of the group: S. Niccolò Altarpiece, Padua
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Not on display
This section of an altarpiece showing Saint Catherine is probably a comparatively early work by Schiavone. It is thought to come from S. Niccolò, Padua.
The story of Catherine of Alexandria is found in the 'Golden Legend'. She was supposed to have been a Christian convert of noble birth who, in a vision, was married to the Infant Christ, as in Parmigianino's painting of The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine in the Collection.
The Roman emperor Maxentius sent 50 philosophers to persuade her to abandon her faith, but she, by her argument, converted them to Christianity.
She was tortured by being bound to four wheels with spikes in them. These were destroyed by a miraculous thunderbolt, but she was eventually beheaded. A wheel, as her attribute, is usually included in paintings of her and she is often shown wearing a crown in reference to her noble birth.
Her cult began in the 9th century on Mount Sinai, where her body was supposed to have been transported by angels.
The story of Catherine of Alexandria is found in the 'Golden Legend'. She was supposed to have been a Christian convert of noble birth who, in a vision, was married to the Infant Christ, as in Parmigianino's painting of The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine in the Collection.
The Roman emperor Maxentius sent 50 philosophers to persuade her to abandon her faith, but she, by her argument, converted them to Christianity.
She was tortured by being bound to four wheels with spikes in them. These were destroyed by a miraculous thunderbolt, but she was eventually beheaded. A wheel, as her attribute, is usually included in paintings of her and she is often shown wearing a crown in reference to her noble birth.
Her cult began in the 9th century on Mount Sinai, where her body was supposed to have been transported by angels.
Other paintings in this group: S. Niccolò Altarpiece, Padua
Giorgio Schiavone
probably about 1456-61
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The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN