Da Spedale Della Misericordia, Predella 2, 1, Decollazione Di S. Caterina 1370

Giovanni da Milano painted “Decollazione Di S. Caterina” depicting the beheading of Saint Catherine, likely in the mid-14th century, a time marked by both religious fervor and stark social inequalities. The painting portrays Saint Catherine, kneeling submissively, awaiting her execution while an angel descends, a narrative steeped in the tradition of female martyrdom. The male executioner stands over her, an embodiment of earthly power. However, in Milan’s rendition, Saint Catherine doesn’t just passively accept her fate; her serenity and the divine intervention suggest a triumph over earthly brutality. During this period, the stories of female saints served not only as religious instruction but also as complex examples of female strength and resilience within patriarchal structures. Catherine's story, in particular, resonated within a society where women’s roles were largely confined, yet their spiritual power was acknowledged. The painting serves as a reminder of the narratives we construct around power, gender, and faith, echoing through the centuries to challenge our contemporary understanding of these dynamics.