Second half of the 16th century

Oil on canvas

87 x 66 cm

This painting depicts Saint Catherine of Alexandria, one of the most venerated martyr saints in Christianity, known for her wisdom, nobility and courage in the face of persecution. The saint is shown standing in a frontal pose, pointing to her own breast with her right hand in a gesture of affirmation and martyrdom, while in her left hand she holds a palm and a crown, symbols of her martyrdom and status as a princess. At her feet, barely hinted at, we can make out the cogwheel, the instrument of her torture, which has become her most recognisable attribute.

Catherine is dressed in a rich robe, combining a dark tunic with gold details and a large red cloak with pronounced folds that give the figure a dynamic appearance. Her face, with its grave, contemplative expression, is framed by a golden nimbus that emphasises her holiness. The monumental architecture in the background, with its classical columns, contrasts with the mountainous landscape to the right, where buildings can be seen in the distance under a cloudy sky, elements that add depth and symbolism to the scene.

The pictorial treatment reveals a solid and meticulous execution, with attention to the drawing and a restrained palette rich in nuances. The traces of craquelure are evidence of the age of the canvas, which still retains its original expressive power. This representation corresponds to the counter-reformist models of Hispanic painting, in which the figure of the saint becomes an example of virtue, resistance and faith, intended for the contemplation and spiritual edification of the faithful.