Catharina sterft op 33-jarige leeftijd 1603

Cornelis Galle I created this engraving, "Catharina sterft op 33-jarige leeftijd," depicting the death of Saint Catherine. The scene is filled with potent symbols of mortality and spirituality. Observe how Catherine lies in bed, a crucifix in her hands, surrounded by grieving figures. A lit candle is held aloft, its flame representing the soul's passage from earthly existence to divine light. This act of holding a candle at the time of death is not isolated to this time or place. In ancient Greece, a torch was carried during funeral processions to guide the deceased. Here, the candle also echoes earlier depictions of the Annunciation, where a divine light heralds a sacred event. Consider, too, the grief of those present. This display of intense emotion serves as a powerful force, engaging us, the viewers, on a subconscious level. This scene is reminiscent of earlier lamentation scenes, but is here focused on the glorification of death. Note how the motif of light and darkness, sorrow and hope, weaves a complex narrative. This engraving is not merely an illustration but a powerful emblem of faith, death, and the enduring human spirit.