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Saint Catherine Disputing and Two Donors

possibly ca. 1380
Not on view

A princess of great learning and beauty, Saint Catherine of Alexandria (fourth century) was challenged to a debate with fifty pagan orators, all of whom she converted to Christianity. Here she counts off the points of her dispute to two men who wear haloes as an indication of their conversion by her arguments (and future martyrdom by Emperor Maxentius). Two diminutive donors wearing the habits of Franciscan tertiaries kneel at the left. The painting dates to about 1380.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Saint Catherine Disputing and Two Donors
  • Artist: Cenni di Francesco di Ser Cenni (Italian, Florence, active by 1369–died 1415)
  • Date: possibly ca. 1380
  • Medium: Tempera on wood, gold ground
  • Dimensions: Overall, with engaged frame, 22 3/4 x 18 1/4 in. (57.8 x 46.4 cm); painted surface 21 1/4 x 16 3/4 in. (54 x 42.5 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Jean Fowles, in memory of her first husband, R. Langton Douglas, 1981
  • Object Number: 1982.35.1
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

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Madonna and Child with Donors, Giovanni da Milano Italian, Tempera on wood, gold ground
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Madonna and Child, Berlinghiero Italian, Tempera on wood, gold ground
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The Adoration of the Magi, Giotto di Bondone Italian, Tempera on wood, gold ground
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