Up for sale is a phenomenal 17th century old master oil painting depicting the Martyrdom of Saint Catherine of Alexandria in the manner of Paolo Veronese. Shown wearing white and a stunning blue draped silk, Catherine somberly stares towards the ground as the executioner is just about to come down with the sword. Emperor Maxentius sits in his throne cast in shadow behind viewing the execution he ordered because Catherine had converted hundreds of people to Christianity including the his wife. Catherine’s attribute, a broken spiked wheel, can be seen just under her helping us to identify the dramatic, almost theatrical depiction of this important historical 4th century event. Three putti are seen just above coming down from and through the clouds getting ready to receive Catherine to heaven with her crown in hand. The painting is very large with the canvas measuring 52 x 38 1/2 inches while its contemporary frame measures 59 1/2 x 46 inches making this work ready to be hung and enjoyed. The work has been cleaned and restored within the last couple of decades nicely preserving the work for many decades to come. The condition overall is absolutely stunning while there many just be some minimal surface imperfections/abrasions. This may also be true to the wood frame.

While the provenance is minimal there is an interesting story behind the acquisition of this work. This painting came from a Central Florida collection and its previous owner had arranged the work to be donated to a museum in upstate New York upon her passing. She passed during lockdown and when the family had tried to reach out to the museum they could not get ahold of their contact. Having to quickly clear the estate I had the privilege of having the work presented to me ultimately purchasing it, I have dearly enjoyed and love the work since.