Artwork
St. Catherine
St. Catherine is a print by Benigno Bossi. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This paper print portrays a kneeling female figure, identified as St.
About this work
Overview
This paper print portrays a kneeling female figure, identified as St. Catherine, set against a darkened, rocky landscape. She clasps a spiked wheel, a traditional attribute of the saint, while a cherubic figure behind her holds a palm branch. The composition emphasizes contrast between the illuminated figures and the shadowed background, creating a focused, stage‑like tableau.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is St. Catherine of Alexandria, recognized by the wheel she grasps, a reference to the instrument of her martyrdom. The palm branch carried by the cherub symbolizes victory over death, reinforcing the saint’s triumphal status within Christian iconography. Her downcast, solemn expression underscores the contemplative aspect of her sacrifice.
Technique & Style
Executed as a print on paper, the image reproduces the composition of a prior painting, translating brushwork into line and tonal shading. The artist employs chiaroscuro, deepening shadows to isolate the figures, while the drapery of the robe is rendered with loose, flowing lines that suggest volume without elaborate detail.
History & Provenance
The print is a copy after an original work by Parmigianino, the early 16th‑century Mannerist painter. The source painting was once part of the collection of the Sanvitali family, a notable patronage lineage. The print itself entered the museum’s holdings through acquisition, preserving the visual record of Parmigianino’s composition.
Artist & collection
