On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01544
- Author
- Dyck, Anton van (Flemish)
- Title
- The Mystic Betrothal of saint Catherine
- Chronology
- 1618-1620
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 123 cm x 174 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
The daughter of King Constus,
Catherine of Alexandria lived in
the early fourth century and was
martyred for hier Christian faith.
Famous for her beauty, wisdom,
eloquence and chastity, she is
frequently depicted at the moment
of her mystical union with
Christ.
The center of the composition is
the ring which the Christ Child
gives to Catherine. She is
sumptuously dressed and bejeweled
as corresponds to her lineage. The
sword she carries and the angel's
palm allude to her martyrdom.
Behind the main figures, Saint
Francis and another friar witness
the event.
A Corinthian capital and a fallen
whip in the lower left corner evoke
the Latin etymology of her name
(catherina means “ruin”), as she
destroyed everything the Devil
sought to build. At the same time,
these remains display the painter's
archeological knowledge, which may
have come from his contact with the
Duke of Buckingham, a great lover
of art and antiquities.
This painting belonged to the
Marquis of Leganés in the
seventeenth century. In 1745, it
was in the collection off Queen
Isabel de Farnesio.
Location on the map
