Lavinia FONTANA

Mystic marriage of Saint Catherine
(1574-1577)

Medium

oil on copper

Credit Line: National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Felton Bequest, 2021
Reproduction requests

Gallery location: 14th - 16th Century Gallery - Painting & Decorative Arts
Level 1, NGV International

About this work

This work illustrates a vision experienced by Saint Catherine of Alexandria (c. 287 – c. 305 CE). In the vision, Catherine consecrated her virginity to Christ through their mystical marriage, witnessed here by the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph and a chorus of musical angels. Catherine was executed by the Roman authorities when she refused to deny her faith. Included here is a martyr’s palm, a book – probably the Bible – and a broken wheel, the symbol of her later martyrdom, upon which the artist, Lavinia Fontana, has signed her name.

Artwork Details

Medium

oil on copper

Measurements

48.7 × 36.6 cm

Place/s of Execution

Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Inscription

inscribed in orange paint LAVI (…illeg.) FACI

Accession Number

2021.558

Department

International Painting

Credit Line

National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Felton Bequest, 2021

Reproduction requests

Gallery location

14th - 16th Century Gallery - Painting & Decorative Arts
Level 1, NGV International

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Lavinia FONTANA Mystic marriage of Saint Catherine (1574-1577)

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Lavinia FONTANA

Mystic marriage of Saint Catherine
(1574-1577)