St Catherine of Alexandria is a striking late-sixteenth-century painting by Caravaggio, created around 1598 and now held by the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid. The saint is shown kneeling in richly coloured clothing beside the instruments associated with her martyrdom, including the wheel and sword. Caravaggio combines devotional subject matter with an intensely naturalistic figure and dramatic chiaroscuro. Alpha Art Gallery offers reproductions as canvas prints, fine art prints, framed prints and 100% hand-painted oil paintings.
The Saint and Her Attributes
Caravaggio depicts Catherine as a powerful, contemplative presence rather than as a distant symbolic figure. The broken wheel, sword and martyr’s palm help identify the saint and connect the portrait-like figure with her religious story.
Naturalism and Chiaroscuro
The strong contrast between light and shadow gives the figure volume and separates her from the dark background. This approach to illumination is characteristic of Caravaggio and became highly influential in European painting.
Choosing the Right Reproduction
The vertical composition suits bedrooms, studies, libraries, dressing rooms and formal interiors. A canvas print allows the figure to become a strong wall feature. A hand-painted oil reproduction provides individually painted brushwork and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who painted St Catherine of Alexandria?
St Catherine of Alexandria was painted by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio.
When was it painted?
The painting is generally dated to around 1598.
Where is the original?
The original is held by the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid.
What does St Catherine hold?
The composition includes attributes associated with her martyrdom, particularly the broken wheel, sword and martyr’s palm.
Is this a Baroque painting?
Yes. It is an important early Italian Baroque work.
Can I buy a canvas print?
Yes. Alpha Art Gallery offers available canvas sizes for this artwork.
Can I order a hand-painted version?
Yes. Professional artists individually paint the oil reproduction on canvas.
Is the reproduction museum-certified?
No. Museum-quality describes the reproduction offering and does not indicate museum certification.
Does shipping cost extra?
Alpha Art Gallery offers free worldwide shipping on all orders.
Choose a refined reproduction of Caravaggio’s St Catherine of Alexandria for an interior that benefits from dramatic light and classical religious subject matter.