Saint Catherine of Genoa 1750

Editor: This is an anonymous porcelain sculpture of Saint Catherine of Genoa, only 7 inches tall. She seems caught in a moment of dramatic expression, and I wonder what might have inspired this small, devotional object. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Well, these small devotional figures often served as focal points for personal piety within the domestic sphere. The distribution networks and the socio-economic status of those who purchase these were significant. How does this accessibility shape the narrative power of religious figures? Editor: So, it’s not just about the Saint herself, but also about how this piece functions within a specific cultural and economic context? Curator: Precisely! The market demand shapes both its creation and its cultural impact. Understanding that influence can really change how we interpret the work.