Saint Catherina 17th-18th century

Curator: Jacobus Coelemans created this engraving, "Saint Catherina," sometime in the late 17th or early 18th century. Editor: It's striking how Coelemans uses light and shadow to create such a dramatic and almost ominous atmosphere. Curator: Indeed. The wheel, of course, is central to Catherine's iconography, representing her martyrdom. But here it's not just a symbol of suffering, but of defiance and strength. Editor: Absolutely. It's a potent visual emblem. The other figures, looming almost spectral in the background, add to the sense of historical weight and the burdens of history. Curator: And the way the composition channels our gaze towards the wheel suggests the power of faith to overcome adversity, as it has come to be portrayed. Editor: Ultimately, this piece reveals how images of female saints can reflect societal attitudes about power, resistance, and the enduring legacies of belief. Curator: It leaves you contemplating the endurance of the human spirit when confronted by immense challenges.