Saint Catherine of Alexandria

Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio, 1483-1520)

c. 1507

Oil on poplar

72.2 x 55.7 cm

National Gallery, London NG168. Purchased 1839

This image is a plate in Wittemeyer (link)

The National Gallery Website explains that “Saint Catherine is shown leaning on the wheel upon which she was condemned to die but which miraculously broke. This painting probably dates from just before Raphael left Florence and went to Rome.

The torsion and the pose of the saint, turning enraptured towards a heavenly light, reflect Raphael's study of both the sinuous grace of Perugino's paintings and the dynamic compositions of Leonardo.”

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