Artwork

The Marriage of St. Catherine

The Marriage of St. Catherine, by Antonio Capellan, 1750
The Marriage of St. Catherine, by Antonio Capellan, 1750

The Marriage of St. Catherine is a print by Antonio Capellan. It dates from 1750 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 by Antonio Capellan, translating Correggio's original painted composition into a graphic medium. It retains the core religious narrative and iconography of the original.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a tender scene of St. Catherine, the Virgin Mary, and the Christ Child, with St. Catherine kneeling. The gentle interactions and serene landscape convey peace and tranquility, emphasizing the intimate and devotional aspects of the religious narrative.

Technique & Style

Capellan employed 18th-century reproductive print techniques to adapt Correggio's Renaissance style. The use of chiaroscuro creates depth and volume, focusing attention on the central figures and expressing the emotional intimacy of the scene.

History & Provenance

Originally composed by Correggio in the Renaissance, Capellan's 18th-century print adaptation reflects the enduring popularity of the subject across artistic periods. Specific provenance details are not provided.

Context

This work sits at the intersection of Renaissance iconography and 18th-century printmaking techniques, illustrating how religious themes were disseminated through new mediums during this period.

Legacy

The print demonstrates the influence of Correggio's compositions on later artists and the role of printmaking in broadening the reach of Renaissance art themes throughout the 18th century.

Artist & collection

Artist

Antonio Capellan

Antonio Capellan made religious prints in the 1700s, turning Bible scenes into black-and-white images for everyday readers.