Saint Catherine c. 1480 - 1490

Israhel van Meckenem created this engraving of Saint Catherine in the late fifteenth century, a period defined by religious devotion and burgeoning print culture. Here, Catherine, a Christian saint, is depicted with symbols of her martyrdom: the wheel, on which she was tortured, lies broken at her feet, and the sword, used for her beheading, stands tall beside her. Wearing a crown and elaborate dress, Catherine's elevated status is marked by the finery of late medieval fashion. Van Meckenem’s detailed rendering gives us a glimpse into the material culture of the time, while also reinforcing Catherine’s identity as both a noblewoman and a figure of divine authority. The engraving also speaks to the ways in which female saints were constructed as powerful, yet ultimately tragic, figures. Catherine's story, popularized through religious texts, served as a potent example of faith, resilience, and sacrifice in the face of persecution, making her a role model for women of the era.