Mystic marriage of Saint Catherine
(1574-1577)
Medium
oil on copper
Measurements
48.7 × 36.6 cm
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Felton Bequest, 2021
Gallery location
16th & 17th Century Gallery - Painting and Sculpture
Mezzanine linked to Level 1, NGV International
About this work
Lavinia Fontana’s Mystic marriage of St Catherine illustrates a vision experienced by St Catherine of Alexandria (c. 287–c.305 CE), in which she consecrated her virginity to Christ through their mystical marriage which is witnessed here by the Virgin Mary, St 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 Fontana has signed her name.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Inscription
inscribed in orange paint l.l.: LAVI (…illeg.) FACI
Accession Number
2021.558
Department
International Painting