Saint Catherine of Alexandria 1475 - 1525

Jan Crocq carved this limestone Saint Catherine of Alexandria around 1500 in the Netherlands. At the time, the Catholic Church was one of the most powerful institutions in Europe. Religious art reinforced its authority through depictions of saints, whose stories promoted faith and morality. Here, Saint Catherine is shown with a book, representing her wisdom, and a broken wheel, symbolizing her martyrdom for refusing to renounce Christianity. The vanquished figure at her feet is likely the Roman Emperor Maxentius, who persecuted her. Crocq’s sculpture reflects the religious fervor of the late Middle Ages but we might also consider how the story of Saint Catherine could have been interpreted as a progressive one. She was after all a woman of intellect who resisted a tyrannical ruler. To fully understand this sculpture, we can turn to historical texts, theological treatises, and accounts of daily life in the Netherlands at the turn of the 16th century. Each resource helps us appreciate the complex interplay between faith, power, and artistic expression.