Catania was painted by Cathryn Shine in 2004.

Where can I see Catania?

Catania is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Catania by Cathryn Shine (2004) · Meaning & Museum

About this work

Overview

The composition centers on an ornate stone mantle above the entrance, where a smiling visage emerges, its headpiece blending into the surrounding brickwork.

Cathryn Shine’s 2004 photo‑etching captures a baroque doorway in Italy, rendered in a series of 24 prints for the SOFA Print Project. The composition centers on an ornate stone mantle above the entrance, where a smiling visage emerges, its headpiece blending into the surrounding brickwork. The interior is hinted at by two potted plants visible through the open door, while a faint white graffiti tag marks the left side of the frame.

Subject & Meaning

The work juxtaposes historic architecture with contemporary interventions. The carved stone mantle, traditionally a symbol of grandeur, is softened by the playful grin of the embedded face, suggesting a dialogue between past ornamentation and modern humor. The presence of everyday objects, a plant and graffiti, introduces a layer of everyday life into the formal setting.

Technique & Style

Shine employs photo‑etching, a process that transfers photographic detail onto metal plates before printing. This method preserves the texture of the weathered stone and wood while allowing fine line work to depict the subtle cracks and the delicate foliage of the plants. The monochrome palette emphasizes tonal contrast between the dark doorway and the lighter brick and stone.

History & Provenance

Created in 2004, the print forms part of a limited‑edition portfolio commissioned for the SOFA Print Project, an initiative that paired contemporary artists with printmaking studios. The work is catalogued under the title “Catania,” likely referencing the Italian city where the photographed doorway is located.