Saint Catherine of Alexandria
Original title: Saint Catherine of Alexandria
kurzbeschreibung
This drawing by Albrecht Dürer, dated between 1490 and 1528, depicts Saint Catherine of Alexandria in pen and brown ink. The saint stands in profile, holding a palm branch, a symbol of her martyrdom. The work is a study of the figure, rendered with delicate linework on aged paper.
Description
The composition is vertical, with the standing figure occupying nearly the full height of the sheet. Saint Catherine faces left, wearing a crown and a long, flowing robe with sleeves, her right hand holding a palm branch. Her face is calm, with a slight smile, and her posture is upright, the garment falling loosely to the floor. The background is empty, focusing all attention on the figure. The drawing is monochrome, using brown ink on yellowed paper, with modeling achieved through varying line weights and densities; light appears to come from the left, leaving the right side and folds in shadow.
Context
Dürer, a German Renaissance master, produced numerous drawings of saints and religious figures throughout his career. This work likely served as a study or a finished piece for private devotion, reflecting the era's interest in individual saintly figures. The attribution to Dürer is based on stylistic features, though the visible signature reads 'Leonardo,' suggesting a possible misattribution or later addition. Dürer's drawings were highly valued in his time and influenced later artists.
Impact
The drawing conveys a sense of quiet dignity and grace, emphasized by the saint's serene expression and upright stance. The empty background and monochrome palette lend an intimate, contemplative quality, drawing the viewer's eye to the delicate linework and subtle shading. The sketchy, lively lines give the figure a sense of immediacy and human presence.
Technique
The work is executed in pen and brown ink, a common medium for Dürer's studies, allowing for precise and expressive linework. The artist uses a combination of fine, flowing contour lines and harsher, parallel strokes to depict the drapery, with varying line density to create light and shadow. The paper has yellowed over time, affecting the overall tone of the drawing.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public domain (CC0)