Huwelijk van Catharina van Siena met Christus 1603

Cornelis Galle I created this engraving, “Marriage of Catherine of Siena to Christ,” sometime between the late 16th and mid-17th centuries. The print depicts a marriage ceremony between Saint Catherine and Christ, attended by the Virgin Mary, King David, and other religious figures. Considered alongside the context of Galle's life during the Counter-Reformation, the print serves as a powerful affirmation of Catholic orthodoxy, particularly concerning the role of female saints. Catherine of Siena, a Dominican tertiary, was known for her visions and profound spiritual experiences. Here we see those experiences made visible. Her mystical marriage to Christ symbolizes a deep, personal connection to the divine. This was a period when the Church sought to reaffirm its authority and traditions amid Protestant challenges. The emotionality of the scene, with its emphasis on Catherine’s personal devotion and divine connection, invited viewers to reflect on their own spiritual lives. The print not only immortalizes Saint Catherine but also reaffirms the spiritual power and agency of women within the Catholic faith.