Andalusian School; XVII century.

Andalusian School; XVII century.
"Saint Catherine of Siena".
Oil on canvas.
Measurements. 54 x 45,5 cm; 63,5 x 55,5 cm (frame).
In a break of Glory, St. Catherine appears on her knees embracing the body of Jesus, who holds with her the cross of martyrdom. Born in Siena around 1347, at the age of seven she took a vow of virginity. As her mother wanted to marry her off, she shaved her head. Received into the Third Order of St. Dominic at the age of sixteen, she led an ascetic life in the convent that ruined her fragile health. She professed a particular devotion to St. Agnes of Montepulciano. According to legend, when Catherine visited the tomb of St. Agnes, and was bending over the body of the saint to kiss her foot, the saint raised it to the height of her lips. She was glorified for having contributed to bring Pope Gregory XI to Rome from Avignon. On the occasion of the Western Schism, she took the side of Urban VI. She died in Rome in 1380 and was canonized in 1461.