Who painted Saint Catherine of Alexandria?

Saint Catherine of Alexandria was painted by German 15th Century in 1480.

Where can I see Saint Catherine of Alexandria?

Saint Catherine of Alexandria is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Saint Catherine of Alexandria?

Saint Catherine of Alexandria is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Saint Catherine of Alexandria

German 15th Century , 1480

Saint Catherine of Alexandria is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1480 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The work is a hand‑colored woodcut portraying Saint Catherine of Alexandria. Executed in a single printed sheet, the image is enhanced with red, green and yellow pigments applied after printing, giving the figure vivid accents against a modest background.

Subject & Meaning

Saint Catherine appears centrally, attired in elaborate medieval dress that signifies her noble status and martyrdom. Traditional attributes—such as a wheel or crown—are suggested by surrounding symbols, identifying her as the learned virgin who suffered for her faith.

Technique & Style

The image was produced by carving a design into a wooden block, inking the raised surfaces, and pressing paper onto it. After the print dried, artisans applied color by hand, a common practice in early modern Europe to enrich monochrome woodcuts with limited hues.

History & Provenance

The piece belongs to the tradition of devotional prints circulated in the 15th–16th centuries, when hand‑colored woodcuts served both private contemplation and wider religious instruction. Its specific origin and ownership history remain undocumented.

Context

Woodcut prints like this were affordable alternatives to painted panels, allowing the veneration of saints to reach a broader audience. The use of bright pigments reflects contemporary tastes for visually striking yet accessible religious imagery.