The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine
About this artwork
The figures are arranged across the picture as though in a classical sculpted frieze. Their ample solidity and richly coloured robes reflect the influence of Raphael and Titian on Poussin's early work in Rome. Saint Catherine of Alexandria receives a ring symbolising her spiritual marriage to Christ. She was baptised a Christian (supposedly in the fourth century) and refused to marry the Roman Emperor. He had her tortured on a wheel (after which the 'Catherine wheel' firework is named) but it broke miraculously. She was then beheaded. The palm frond and sword symbolise her martyrdom. Unusually, the painting is on five oak panels rather than canvas.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Nicolas Poussin (1594 - 1665) French
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title:The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine
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date created:About 1628 - 1629
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materials:Oil on panel
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measurements:126.00 x 168.00 cm / 69.00 kg
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object type:
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credit line:Bequest of Sir John Heathcoat Amory 1973
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accession number:NG 2319
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artwork photographed by:Antonia Reeve
Nicolas Poussin
Nicolas Poussin
Poussin aimed to achieve a pure and noble style of painting inspired by the classical ideals of ancient art and the work of Raphael. Born in Normandy, he trained in Paris before arriving in Rome in 1624. Apart from a brief return to Paris (1640-42) he remained in Rome. He did not employ assistants...