Artwork
Saint Catherine of Siena, or Saint Clare of Assisi
Saint Catherine of Siena, or Saint Clare of Assisi is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Italian 15th Century. It dates from 1465 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This print depicts a saintly figure, identified as either Saint Catherine of Siena or Saint Clare of Assisi, in a simple yet dignified representation.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is shown with a halo and holding a small object, likely a book, symbolizing their devotion and spiritual significance. The calm facial expression and serene posture convey a sense of reverence.
Technique & Style
The print is a woodcut, hand-colored in gray, yellow, and red lake, featuring bold lines and basic colors. The style is characteristic of religious art from the period, with a thick yellow border framing the image.
Artist & collection
Artist
This anonymous Italian engraver from the 1490s carved images that could be peeled apart like paper dolls—each knot in the "First Knot" print was cut from a single sheet so you could lift the loops right off the page.
![The Destruction of the Egyptian Idols [verso], by Italian 15th Century](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/italian-15th-century--the-destruction-of-the-egyptian-idols-verso--646d3c2b8098cfee-w320.webp)
![The Flight into Egypt [recto], by Italian 15th Century](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/italian-15th-century--the-flight-into-egypt-recto--8f4d5275d7f90f98-w320.webp)
![Saint Agnes [verso], by German 15th Century](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/german-15th-century--saint-agnes-verso--eb41977e5e7551cd-w320.webp)