Saint Catherine of Alexandria (ca. 1620)
Original title: Saint Catherine of Alexandria
kurzbeschreibung
Peter Paul Rubens portrays Saint Catherine of Alexandria as a martyr in a heroic pose, with crown, lance, and shield. The etching dates from around 1620. It is a counterproof of the first of three states, which the artist retouched with pen and black chalk.
Description
Saint Catherine stands in a long, softly draping gown, a crown on her head. Her right hand holds a lance that points to a shield bearing a cross; a radiant halo surrounds her hair. Clouds and part of the cross shield appear in the background. The layout feels dynamic, with pronounced shading and clear linework that brings out the textures of fabric and metal.
Context
Rubens worked in Antwerp, where he enjoyed high esteem as a painter and printmaker. Saint Catherine was a popular figure in the Catholic context of the Counter-Reformation, as she stood for faith and steadfastness. The etching likely relates to Rubens's active involvement in printmaking, which he often used to spread his pictorial ideas.
Impact
Through her upright posture and direct gaze, the figure appears heroic yet graceful. Fine lines and strong shadows give the sheet a dramatic, Baroque tension that draws the viewer in immediately.
Technique
Created as an etching, the sheet was produced as a counterproof of the first of three states. Rubens corrected and refined details with pen and brown ink as well as black chalk. The print is trimmed close to the plate edge and measures 30.8 × 19.7 cm.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)