Catharina van Alexandrië c. 1581

Agostino Carracci created this engraving of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. The engraving employs dense, parallel lines to construct form and shadow, giving the image a tangible depth, despite its monochromatic palette. A youthful Catherine gazes upward, framed by a halo, holding a palm frond, a symbol of martyrdom. Carracci's technique here utilizes the formal qualities of line to not only depict but also interpret religious iconography. The textures and values suggest a tension between earthly form and divine essence. Catherine is solid yet ethereal. The composition's balance—the saint's figure centered, with text neatly placed—adds to the work's communicative power. The lines' directionality guides the viewer's eye, reinforcing the narrative. The artwork serves not just as a depiction but as a structured argument about faith, martyrdom, and representation itself.