St. Catherine of Alexandria (1644–52)
Original title: St. Catherine of Alexandria
kurzbeschreibung
Wenceslaus Hollar etched this image of Saint Catherine of Alexandria between 1644 and 1652. She wears the traditional headscarf and long-sleeved tunic, holding a book and a sword. The print survives in its second state, out of two.
Description
Catherine appears as a half-length figure against a plain dark ground, which draws the eye toward her. Headscarf and tunic are rendered with close attention to folds and texture. The book and sword, her identifying attributes, rest in her hands. Even light picks out the contours and details of the figure. Along the lower edge run the inscriptions 'RAPH: VRB: PINXIT' and 'W. HOLLAR FECIT ex Collectione Arundeliana'.
Context
The Bohemian engraver Wenceslaus Hollar based this sheet on a painting by Raphael, as the inscription 'RAPH: VRB: PINXIT' indicates. He made it in England while working for the collection of the Earl of Arundel, referred to in 'ex Collectione Arundeliana'. The print belongs to a series of reproductions after Italian masters that Hollar produced for Arundel.
Impact
The saint's monumental bearing and the calm symmetry of the layout give the sheet a solemn, dignified character. Precise lines and delicate shading create sculptural depth that supports the sacred presence of the figure.
Technique
Etching combined with additional engraving allowed for fine linework and graduated tones here. Through this process Hollar carried the painterly qualities of Raphael's model into print. The sheet measures 21.6 × 15.6 cm and is preserved in the second state.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)