Who painted The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine?

The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine was painted by Jean Honoré Fragonard in 1761.

Where can I see The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine?

The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine?

The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine

Jean Honoré Fragonard , 1761

The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine is a chalk drawing by the Romanticist artist Jean Honoré Fragonard. It dates from 1761 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine is a drawing by Jean Honoré Fragonard, executed in 1761. Composed of black chalk over a black chalk counterproof on laid paper with a brown ink borderline, the work is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a serene scene of spiritual union, where Saint Catherine, dressed in white, sits alongside a haloed saint. A infant Jesus facilitates the mystical marriage by placing a ring on Catherine's finger, observed by a gathering of saints in the background.

Technique & Style

Fragonard's use of black chalk and counterproof technique yields a surprisingly soft, nuanced effect. Facial features are subtly blurred, guiding the viewer's attention towards the tranquil atmosphere of the moment rather than detailed precision.

History & Provenance

Created in 1761, the drawing's provenance prior to its current residence at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, is not detailed here. The work reflects Fragonard's characteristic dreamy and playful artistic tendencies, evident in his broader oeuvre.

Context

Within Fragonard's body of work, this piece aligns with his propensity for capturing intimate, emotionally charged scenes, often blending religious themes with a sense of gentle, ethereal quality.

Legacy

As part of Fragonard's oeuvre, The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine contributes to the artist's reputation for expressive, softly rendered drawings that prioritize mood over sharp detail, influencing perceptions of 18th-century French artistic practices.