The Holy Family with Saint Catherine of Alexandria 1581

Lavinia Fontana painted 'The Holy Family with Saint Catherine of Alexandria' in Italy, sometime in the late 16th century. It's an oil painting depicting a religious scene with a clear message about family and faith. Fontana creates meaning by drawing on cultural and historical associations. The setting is domestic, presenting the Holy Family in a very human and accessible way, reflective of the Catholic Counter-Reformation's emphasis on relatable religious imagery. The inclusion of Saint Catherine, identifiable by her wheel, speaks to themes of martyrdom and faith but also to the growing importance of female saints in religious art. Fontana was working during a time when the role of women in society and in artistic production was being questioned and redefined. As art historians, we look at the social context in which artworks are made. Fontana’s biography, records of the Catholic Church, and treatises on the role of women in art are resources we can use to understand 'The Holy Family with Saint Catherine of Alexandria'. It is a testament to the complex interplay between artistic expression, religious belief, and societal norms.