Artwork
The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine
The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Mateo Cerezo. It dates from 1660 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
Mateo Cerezo's 1660 oil painting illustrates the mystic marriage of Saint Catherine, a central theme in religious art.
Mateo Cerezo's 1660 oil painting illustrates the mystic marriage of Saint Catherine, a central theme in religious art. The composition features Catherine of Alexandria receiving a ring, symbolizing her spiritual union with Christ. Her identity is reinforced by the presence of a crown, denoting her royal lineage, and a cogwheel, the traditional attribute referencing the instrument of her failed martyrdom. These elements combine to visualize the saint's divine betrothal and her triumph over earthly suffering through faith.
Technique & Style
Executed in 1660, this religious painting by Mateo Cerezo utilizes oil paint applied to a canvas support. The work measures 207 cm in height and 163 cm in width. Stylistically, the composition focuses on the mystic marriage of Saint Catherine, depicting the saint alongside specific iconographic attributes including a ring, a crown, and a cogwheel. These elements serve to identify the main subject within the narrative scene.
History & Provenance
The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine is an oil painting on canvas created in 1660 by Mateo Cerezo. It was commissioned as a religious work and originally entered the collection of the Museo del Prado, where it remains on view. The composition portrays Saint Catherine in the mystic marriage with symbolic attributes including a crown, ring, and cogwheel. The work measures 207 cm in height and 163 cm in width.
The work is held in the Museo del Prado, Madrid, where it is recorded as inventory no. P001204.
It was included in the exhibition “Cerezo en el Prado” held at the Museo del Prado from 28 November 2017 to 25 March 2018, where it was displayed as part of a focused presentation of the artist’s work from the museum’s holdings.
Overview
Created in 1660, The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine is an oil painting by Spanish Baroque artist Mateo Cerezo. Executed during the height of his religious commissions, the work presents a solemn scene in which Saint Catherine receives a symbolic ring from the infant Christ, surrounded by attendant figures and emblematic objects.
Context
Cerezo’s oeuvre is dominated by devotional subjects, and this work aligns with the Counter‑Reformation emphasis on visual piety. The inclusion of Saint Catherine’s traditional symbols, a crown and a wheel, links the piece to her hagiography, while the composition’s intimate setting reflects the period’s shift toward personal, emotive religious experience.
Artist & collection
Artist
Mateo Cerezo, sometimes referred to as Mateo Cerezo the younger, (19 April 1637, Burgos – 29 June 1666, Madrid) was a Spanish Baroque painter, known primarily for religious works and still-lifes.
- Mystic marriage of Saint Catherine of Alexandria
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