Mystical Marriage of Saint Catherine of Alexandria
1887.129
Name/Title
Mystical Marriage of Saint Catherine of AlexandriaEntry/Object ID
1887.129Tags
Consult expertDescription
According to tradition, Saint Catherine of Alexandria was an early 4th century virgin and martyr. The daughter of King Costus and Queen Sabinella of Alexandria, Catherine was renowned for her beauty and intellect. From an early age she vowed to remain a virgin until she met a man who surpassed her in looks and intelligence. She was raised a pagan, and was still one when she received a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a teenager. In the vision, Mary gave Catherine to Jesus in a mystical marriage as He was the one who surpassed her in beauty and intellect. The vision was so powerful Catherine converted to Christianity. She was ordered to be executed on a spiked breaking wheel by Emperor Maxentius because of her refusal to honor pagan gods, and her success in converting others to Christianity, including the Emperor's wife. While on the wheel she prayed to be delivered and the wheel broke. The Emperor then ordered her to be beheaded. Since the Middle Ages, Catherine was one of the most popular saints. She was considered one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers whose intercessions were considered the most powerful of all the saints. However, the historical accuracy of her life (and whether she actually even existed) began to be questioned in the 18th century, and her feast day was removed in 1969 from the liturgical calendar. It was reinstated as an optional memorial in 2002. Her attributes are a crown, and a broken spiked wheel.Artwork Details
Medium
Paper, SanguineCollection
Archabbey-European Prints and DrawingsCataloged By
ChristopherAcquisition
Accession
1887.129Acquisition Method
Found in CollectionMade/Created
Artist
Unknown (after a 16th century source)Date made
1600 - 1700Notes
Date: 17th Century Artist's School: German after an earlier 16th century source Technique: DrawingEthnography
Culture/Tribe
Northern European