Artwork
Mariage mystique de sainte Catherine
Mariage mystique de sainte Catherine is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Lavinia Fontana. It dates from 1574 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Victoria.
About this work
Overview
Lavinia Fontana's 1574 painting, Mariage mystique de sainte Catherine, is an oil-on-panel work depicting a mystical scene. Created during the early Baroque period in Italy, it is now part of the National Gallery of Victoria's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows Saint Catherine kneeling before a vision of the Virgin Mary and the Christ child, with Saint Joseph in the background. The scene represents Catherine's mystical marriage to Jesus, symbolizing her spiritual devotion.
Technique & Style
Fontana's style in this work reflects her training under her father, Prospero Fontana, and her association with the Mannerist movement. The use of oil paint allows for rich colors and detailed textures, evident in the figures' clothing and the surrounding environment.
History & Provenance
Lavinia Fontana, a pioneering female artist in Western Europe, was active in Bologna and Rome. She supported her family through her art, becoming a notable figure in her time. The painting has been preserved and is now held in a major art institution.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Lavinia Fontana (24 August 1552 – 11 August 1614) was an Italian Mannerist painter active in Bologna and Rome.
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