St Catherine of Alexandria.

Drawing, watercolour with underdrawing in pencil, 19,0 x 15,0, parchment, inscription in lower margin at center: "CATHARINA" (paint losses at lower centre, rubbed at top right and in margins, some scratches).

Mounted on panel.

Popular drawing of Catherine of Alexandria (ca. 287-305). The saint is not depicted with her traditional attributes such as a breaking wheel or a sword, but rather in front of the Roman Emperor Maxentius (ca. 283-312) and surrounded by classic philosophers and orators, making a plea for Christianity. This action subsequently led to her torture and martyrdom.