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Veronese Banquet Levi | Mystic Marriage | Battle Lepanto | Annunciation | Assumption | Coronation Virgin | Crucifixion | St Francis Stigmata
Paolo Veronese, The Mystical Marriage of Saint Catherine at the Accademia Galleries in Venice
Paolo Veronese (1528–1588) “The Mystical Marriage of Saint Catherine”
Mystical Marriage Painting – Oil on canvas (337 x 241 cm) 1565–1570
The legend of Saint Catherine of Alexandria dates back to the 10th century.
Catherine had promised King Costus, her father, whilst he lay on his deathbed, that she would marry only a man of higher standing than herself.
Shortly afterwards, her mother introduced her to a hermit, who showed her an image of the Virgin and Child.
Mystical Marriage This image deeply moved Catherine, who asked to be baptised immediately.
From the 15th century onwards, this sudden conversion of the young girl was interpreted as the mystical marriage of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, an interpretation which then spread throughout Europe and was depicted by the greatest painters.
Veronese, too, painted this famous mystical marriage of Saint Catherine, depicting her at the feet of the Virgin and the Infant Jesus.
The naked child on the lap of his loving mother, modestly dressed , welcomes Princess Catherine, dressed in a splendid gown adorned with a gold necklace set with precious stones, with her crown resting upon her long blonde hair like the gold of her cloak held by her servants.
Mystical Marriage Catherine, the young bride, approaches, placing her left hand over her heart and shyly holding out her other hand to the Baby Jesus, who places the wedding ring on her finger, whilst the young girl beside her supports her hand, which is trembling with emotion.
Jesus and Catherine gaze at one another whilst the young girl behind them raises and spreads her arms, with her palms open towards Heaven, to welcome the two little angels descending from heaven, holding a crown and the palm of martyrdom of Saint Catherine.
The Virgin Mary looks ahead; she experiences this moment of sacred union deeply, communing inwardly with them.
Mystical Marriage The spiritual and sacred nature of Catherine’s wedding to the Child is emphasised by the profusion of angels surrounding them, including a large number of angel musicians depicted at the bottom and on the left-hand side of the painting, as well as those gazing down upon them from the clouds.
Beyond the religious subject depicted by Veronese, one cannot help but be dazzled by the beauty of the colours, the velvety texture of the figures’ skin, the shimmer of the garments and the perfect rendering of the drapery.
The composition of the painting is powerful, combining vertical and diagonal lines that highlight the heart of the scene.
One is also struck by the serene, delicate and profound atmosphere that emanates from this image of the union of the spirits of Mary, Jesus and Catherine.
Veronese Banquet Levi | Mystic Marriage | Battle Lepanto | Annunciation | Assumption | Coronation Virgin | Crucifixion | St Francis Stigmata
Artists Tintoretto | Veronese |
Accademia Artists | Location Schedule Tickets Authorizations
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