Catharina kust de wonden van Christus 1603

Cornelis Galle I created this engraving, *Catharina kust de wonden van Christus*—or *Catherine kisses the wounds of Christ*—sometime between 1591 and 1650. Galle was from a family of artists living in Antwerp during the Counter-Reformation. Here, Saint Catherine of Siena kneels before Christ, her face pressed against the wound in his side, surrounded by clouds and cherubic figures. In the 14th century, Catherine became known for her devotion to the poor and sick. She was a mystic known for her visions and stigmata. The wounds of Christ, made manifest on her own body. Galle’s depiction of Catherine is not simply reverent, but actively intimate. This speaks to the period’s changing attitudes toward female spirituality, which was increasingly recognized as a powerful form of religious expression. The highly emotional and physical nature of her devotion is palpable, emphasizing the significance of personal, embodied faith. It’s an intriguing blend of religious fervor and personal experience.