GENTILESCHI, Artemisia
(b. 1593, Roma, d. ca. 1653, Napoli)

St Catherine of Alexandria

c. 1620
Oil on canvas, 77 x 62 cm
Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence

St Catherine is identifiable by the portion of the spiked wheel that was the (unsuccessful) instrument of her martyrdom. This bold, Caravaggesque work displays virtuosity in the rendering of the veil that covers the saint's breast, and strong diagonals that reinforce Catherine's upward gaze.