Artwork

Catherine of Habsberg and St. Catherine of Alexandria altar piece

Catherine of Habsberg and St. Catherine of Alexandria altar piece is an unspecified painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Cristóvão Lopes. It dates from 1565 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Ancient Art. The Catherine of Habsberg and St.

About this work

Overview

The Catherine of Habsberg and St. Catherine of Alexandria altar piece is a 1565 painting by Cristóvão Lopes, a Portuguese artist who served as royal painter to King John III.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts two female figures: Catherine of Habsberg, dressed in black with gold embroidery, and Saint Catherine of Alexandria, wearing pink and holding a green curtain. The scene suggests a devotional or contemplative atmosphere, with the saint watching over the royal figure.

Technique & Style

Lopes worked in the early Baroque Italian style, characterized by rich colors and detailed textures. The use of chiaroscuro, a technique that exploits contrasts between light and dark, adds depth to the composition.

History & Provenance

The painting is now held in the National Museum of Ancient Art. As few of Lopes' works are signed, attribution of this piece to him is based on stylistic and historical evidence. Lopes may have collaborated with Dutch portrait painter Antonis Mor during his career.

Artist & collection

Artist

Cristóvão Lopes

Cristóvão Lopes (c. 1516–1594) was a Portuguese painter. Cristóvão Lopes was the son and disciple of royal painter Gregório Lopes, who died in 1550. Cristóvão succeeded his father as the royal painter of King John III…