Mystieke huwelijk van de heilige Catharina 1501 - 1580

This is an engraving titled "Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine," by an anonymous artist. The image depicts a pivotal moment in the life of Saint Catherine, when she is said to have mystically married the child Jesus. Consider the position of women in the religious and social structures of the time, where female figures like Saint Catherine offered alternative narratives of power and influence within a patriarchal framework. In the engraving, the artist captures not just a religious rite, but also an emotional exchange. The tender gesture of the child Jesus placing a ring on Catherine's finger speaks to a deep, spiritual connection that transcends earthly bonds. The wheel, a symbol of Saint Catherine's martyrdom, stands as a reminder of her unwavering faith and ultimate sacrifice. The engraving invites us to contemplate the nature of devotion and the power of personal conviction, as we reflect on the identities and the histories of the figures represented here.