Florentine master, first half of the 16th century, St Catherine of Siena between St Sebastian and a soldier saint (St Demetrios?)

Florentine master, first half of the 16th century. St Catherine of Siena between St Sebastian and a soldier saint (St Demetrios?)



In this composition, Saint Catherine of Siena is presented within her own painted stone frame, resembling a picture within a picture. She appears as a half-length figure turned to the left with her head almost in profile against a black background. Dressed in a white veil, Saint is holding a lily and gazes contemplatively into a book - her defining attributes. The stylistic approach fulfills the depiction with an archaic aesthetic. The image of Saint Catherine is situated within an architectural setting, framed by two niches adorned with round arches supported by pilasters. Positioned before these niches are two saints depicted as lifelike statues. On the left, Saint Sebastian stands bare, clutching arrows, while on the right, a soldier saint, likely Saint Demetrios, is portrayed.
Surrounding the niches are additional stone frames, suggesting an excerpt from a larger context, evoking the impression of a design for a larger painted wall decoration. Oil on wood, 29.5 × 47.5 cm