Artwork
Bust of the Catherine (?)
Bust of the Catherine (?) is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Rogier van der Weyden. It dates from 1435 and is held in the collection of the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum. Bust of the Catherine (?
About this work
Overview
Bust of the Catherine (?) is an oil painting from 1435, attributed to the Northern Renaissance style of Rogier van der Weyden, a prominent early Netherlandish painter.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is believed to be Saint Catherine of Alexandria, depicted with serene calmness, adorned in a dark, jewel-encrusted robe, and distinctive long, wavy red hair.
Technique & Style
Characterized by meticulous detail, the painting features a dark background with subtle hints of a building and a swan, contrasting with the vivid, ornate portrayal of the subject.
History & Provenance
Originally commissioned for European nobility, possibly under the patronage of Philip the Good, the painting is now part of the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum's collection.
Context
Created during the 15th century's religious art surge, this work reflects van der Weyden's expertise in both religious themes and portraiture, catering to the devotional and aesthetic demands of his aristocratic patrons.
Artist & collection
Artist
Rogier van der Weyden (Dutch: ; 1399 or 1400 – 18 June 1464), initially known as Roger de la Pasture (French: ), was an early Netherlandish painter whose surviving works consist mainly of religious triptychs,…
