The Martyrdom of St. Catherine
around 1505/10 | Albrecht Altdorfer
According to legend, St. Catherine of Alexandria, who was of noble birth and educated in the sciences, persuaded 50 pagan scholars to convert to Christianity. Because of the saint’s steadfast faith, Emperor Maximinus ordered her to be put to death on the wheel. But an angel came and destroyed the instrument with such violence that it killed four thousand pagans. Finally, the emperor ordered her to be beheaded. This painting is considered to be Altdorfer’s earliest extant work.
According to legend, St. Catherine of Alexandria, who was of noble birth and educated in the sciences, persuaded 50 pagan scholars to convert to Christianity. Because of the saint’s steadfast faith, Emperor Maximinus ordered her to be put to death on the wheel. But an angel came and destroyed the instrument with such violence that it killed four thousand pagans. Finally, the emperor ordered her to be beheaded. This painting is considered to be Altdorfer’s earliest extant work.
Artist:
Albrecht Altdorfer (um 1480 - 1538 Regensburg) DNB
Time:
around 1505/10
Object Name
Painting
Culture
German
Material/technology:
Limewood
Dimensions:
Overall: 57 cm × 36,5 cm
Framed: 69,5 cm × 49,5 cm × 3,5 cm
Copyright
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Gemäldegalerie
Invs.
Gemäldegalerie, 6426
Provenance
Until 1921 Stift Wilten near Innsbruck; 1923 purchased from Eduard Hulton, London;