Beheading of Saint Catherine c. 1500 - 1503

This anonymous engraving, titled "Beheading of Saint Catherine," depicts the martyrdom of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, who was executed by beheading in the 4th century. The scene is set in a landscape with a distant city, and depicts the moment just before Catherine’s execution. Three executioners stand over her, while she kneels in prayer surrounded by other figures. This print, created sometime between 1500 and 1503, is a striking example of the Northern Renaissance style, characterized by meticulous detail and realistic depiction of the human form. The use of hatching and cross-hatching in the print creates a sense of depth and volume, highlighting the emotional intensity of the scene. This work is part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection.