Saint Catherine of Alexandria
The head of a Roman Empreror at Saint Catherine's feet symbolizes her defeat of paganism. Her relaxed pose and serene expression, combined with the broken wheel on which she was tortured, convey her acceptance of her Christian martyrdom. Her coiffure and clothing are suggestive of classical Greek statuary, and might allude to her life in the eastern Roman Empire. This work's profuse classical references demonstrate the mastery of the antique style for which Solari was renowned. Though probably carved in Milan, the figure may have been inspired by statues of the Virtues on Tullio Lombardo's Vendramin monument, just completed when Solari first visited Venice.
[Peter J. Bell, 2015]
[Peter J. Bell, 2015]
Artwork Details
- Title: Saint Catherine of Alexandria
- Maker: Cristoforo Solari (Italian, ca. 1460–1524)
- Date: probably 1514–24
- Culture: Italian, Milan
- Medium: Marble
- Dimensions: Overall (wt confimed): 47 7/16 in., 332 lb. (120.5 cm, 150.5942kg)
- Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Purchase, European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Fund, Walter and Leonore Annenberg Acquisitions Endowment Fund, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar de la Renta Gift, and Josephine Bay Paul and C. Michael Paul Foundation Inc. Gift, by exchange, 2012
- Object Number: 2012.328
- Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
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