Saint Catherine of Alexandria
Statuette
second half of 15th century (made)
second half of 15th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This terracotta statuette, made in the 15th century by an unknown artist represents Saint Catherine of Alexandria.
Saint Catherine, who is also called St Catherine of the Wheel or the Great Martyr Saint Catherine, is a Christian Saint and Martyr. Her principal symbol is a spiked wheel and her feast day is 25th November by most Christian churches.
Following the Golden Legend she showed great erudition from an early age. She became queen, converted to Christianity and had a vision of marrying Christ. Maxentius, the Roman Emperor desired her and sent out 50 philosophers to try to interfere in her faith. Instead the philosophers were all converted to Christianity themselves.
The legend tells that she was to be condemned to death on a torture wheel with iron spikes, which broke, when she touched it. She was then beheaded instead. There is doubt about her historical authenticity.
Saint Catherine, who is also called St Catherine of the Wheel or the Great Martyr Saint Catherine, is a Christian Saint and Martyr. Her principal symbol is a spiked wheel and her feast day is 25th November by most Christian churches.
Following the Golden Legend she showed great erudition from an early age. She became queen, converted to Christianity and had a vision of marrying Christ. Maxentius, the Roman Emperor desired her and sent out 50 philosophers to try to interfere in her faith. Instead the philosophers were all converted to Christianity themselves.
The legend tells that she was to be condemned to death on a torture wheel with iron spikes, which broke, when she touched it. She was then beheaded instead. There is doubt about her historical authenticity.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Saint Catherine of Alexandria (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Terracotta |
| Brief description | Statuette, terracotta, 'Saint Catherine of Alexandria', by an unknown artist, Florence, 15th century |
| Physical description | This terracotta statuette, which is left in the rough behind, represents the figure of the Saint, in full length on a shallow rectangular base. Over her close-fitting robe she wears a voluminous cloak, which is caught up by her left hand. In her right hand she holds a conventionalised wheel and in her left a book. She wears a crown on her flowing hair. On the front of the base is the cursive inscription: Di.frate.Tom.....agli. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | 'Di.frate.Tom.....agli' (Inscribed on the base in cursive.) |
| Object history | Purchased from the Gigli-campana Collection, £10. |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Summary | This terracotta statuette, made in the 15th century by an unknown artist represents Saint Catherine of Alexandria. Saint Catherine, who is also called St Catherine of the Wheel or the Great Martyr Saint Catherine, is a Christian Saint and Martyr. Her principal symbol is a spiked wheel and her feast day is 25th November by most Christian churches. Following the Golden Legend she showed great erudition from an early age. She became queen, converted to Christianity and had a vision of marrying Christ. Maxentius, the Roman Emperor desired her and sent out 50 philosophers to try to interfere in her faith. Instead the philosophers were all converted to Christianity themselves. The legend tells that she was to be condemned to death on a torture wheel with iron spikes, which broke, when she touched it. She was then beheaded instead. There is doubt about her historical authenticity. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | 7604-1861 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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