Artwork
St. Catherine on the Wheel
St. Catherine on the Wheel is a print by the Romanticist artist Davide Testi. It dates from 1849 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. St.
About this work
Overview
The work depicts the martyrdom of Saint Catherine, with the saint positioned against a dark background, standing beside a spiked breaking wheel.
St. Catherine on the Wheel is an 1849 print created by Davide Testi in Florence, based on a composition attributed to Michelangelo's circle. The work depicts the martyrdom of Saint Catherine, with the saint positioned against a dark background, standing beside a spiked breaking wheel. Her curly hair, bare shoulders, and expressive arm gestures characterize the figure, while a bow-tied fabric around her waist and bare feet add to the representation.
Subject & Meaning
The print illustrates the legend of St. Catherine of Alexandria, who was tortured on a spiked wheel for her faith. The scene conveys the saint's resilience and devotion amidst suffering, with her raised arm suggesting a gesture of prayer or defiance. The winged figure (likely an angel or the saint herself in a symbolic form) emphasizes the spiritual and redemptive aspects of her martyrdom.
Technique & Style
Executed as a print, the work showcases Testi's engraving skills in translating a Michelangelo-associated design onto paper. The use of a dark background highlights the subject, while the detailed rendering of the saint's features, hair, and drapery reflects the precision of 19th-century engraving techniques. The overall style blends Renaissance influences with the aesthetic of its time of creation.
History & Provenance
Created in 1849 by Davide Testi in Florence, the print is inscribed with the names of both Testi (engraver) and Filippo Calendi (designer), indicating a collaborative process. The original composition is linked to Michelangelo's circle, though the direct connection to the artist is not specified.
Context
This print is part of a broader tradition of reproducing famous artworks in print form during the 19th century, making them more accessible. Similar works can be found in collections like the Victoria and Albert Museum, highlighting the era's interest in disseminating and appreciating Renaissance art through prints.
Legacy
While not a direct work by Michelangelo, St. Catherine on the Wheel contributes to the dissemination of Renaissance artistic themes and compositions during the 19th century. It reflects the enduring interest in martyrdom stories and the technical evolution of printmaking.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Davide Testi spent years tracing saints and sinners in the margins of old print books, ink-stained fingers and a magnifying glass always in hand.
