An Angel Appearing to Saint Catherine of Alexandria in Prison (recto); Volute (verso) 1600 - 1700

This drawing of Saint Catherine of Alexandria visited in prison by an angel was created anonymously on paper, with pen and brown ink, and brown wash. Looking closely, you can see the artist has used the brown wash to create areas of shadow, adding depth and drama to the scene. The swift, expressive strokes of the pen reveal the artist's hand and thought process. Though the drawing is anonymous, it is full of clues of its making. The way the artist has handled the ink, building up the image through layers of lines, suggests the skilled tradition of draftsmanship. The linear quality of the work, evident in the rendering of architectural elements like the arches, the window, and the saint's prison box, indicates the artist may have been trained in perspective, and other established art traditions. Paying attention to materials, the nature of this quick drawing provides insight into the broader creative practices of the time, where the act of drawing served as a vital tool for artists to explore ideas, experiment with compositions, and prepare for larger works.