Artwork
The Marriage of St. Catherine
The Marriage of St. Catherine is a print by John Samuel Agar. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The Marriage of St.
About this work
Overview
The Marriage of St. Catherine is a print on paper created in 1850 by John Samuel Agar, reproducing a painting attributed to Parmigianino then in the collection of William Morland.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a serene, intimate scene with three main figures: a woman in flowing robes cradling a child, another woman in ornate attire reaching towards them, and a bust of an elderly man on a lower ledge, set against heavy, draped curtains. The subject matter alludes to the mystical marriage of St. Catherine, a common theme in religious art.
Technique & Style
Characterized by soft shadows and smooth lines, the print exhibits a dreamy, antiquated aesthetic, reflecting both the style of the original Parmigianino painting and the reproductive print techniques of the mid-19th century.
History & Provenance
Originally based on a painting by Parmigianino, this specific print was produced by John Samuel Agar in 1850 from a version owned by William Morland. The original painting's provenance is tied to Morland's collection at the time of reproduction.
Context
This print is part of a broader 19th-century practice of reproducing Renaissance artworks for wider dissemination, highlighting the enduring appeal of Parmigianino’s style across centuries.
Legacy
The print, among others like it, is now housed in repositories such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, serving as a testament to the reproductive print’s role in art history and education.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Samuel Agar (1773–1858) was an English portrait painter and engraver, who exhibited his works at the Royal Academy from 1796 to 1806 and at the British Institution until 1811.
