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The Martyrdom of St Catherine

Oil Painting
ca. 1500
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Francesco Verla (active 1499-1520) was documented for the first time in Vicenza in 1499 and travelled to Rome in 1503 before returning shortly after in the Veneto. He worked in Vicienza, Schio, Trento and Rovereto where he probably died between 1521 and 1522.

This painting is most likely a part of a predella panel, i.e. the long horizontal structure at the base or 'foot' of an altarpiece, which narrative scenes usually refer to the large image above. It shows the martyrdom of a female saint, traditionally identified as St Catherine of Alexandria who was beheaded after the failed tentative of tormenting her on a wheel. This painting is reminiscent of Francesco Verla's manner, an artist active in the Veneto near Verona, whose art combined the influence by Perugino and his school, and more Northern characteristics.

Object details

Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Oil
  • Frame
TitleThe Martyrdom of St Catherine
Brief description
Oil painting, 'The Martyrdom of St Catherine', Circle of Francesco Verla, ca. 1500
Credit line
Bequeathed by Constantine Alexander Ionides
Object history
Acquired by Constantine Alexander Ionides in Florence, via Buonarroti, on 26 February 1883, as attributed to P. della Francesca, for £100 (his inventory, private collection). Bequeathed to the museum in 1900.
Summary
Francesco Verla (active 1499-1520) was documented for the first time in Vicenza in 1499 and travelled to Rome in 1503 before returning shortly after in the Veneto. He worked in Vicienza, Schio, Trento and Rovereto where he probably died between 1521 and 1522.

This painting is most likely a part of a predella panel, i.e. the long horizontal structure at the base or 'foot' of an altarpiece, which narrative scenes usually refer to the large image above. It shows the martyrdom of a female saint, traditionally identified as St Catherine of Alexandria who was beheaded after the failed tentative of tormenting her on a wheel. This painting is reminiscent of Francesco Verla's manner, an artist active in the Veneto near Verona, whose art combined the influence by Perugino and his school, and more Northern characteristics.
Collection
Accession number
CAI.98&:1

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Record createdJune 4, 2003
Record URL
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