St Catherine of Alexandria refusing to worship the idol (?) 1500 - 1512

Albrecht Altdorfer made this drawing of Saint Catherine of Alexandria refusing to worship an idol around 1512. It portrays a critical moment in the story of Saint Catherine, who was persecuted for her Christian faith in the early 4th century. The image uses classical architecture to create a backdrop for the scene. Look at the columns, arches, and the statue of a pagan god atop a fountain. These elements place the scene within a Roman context, highlighting the clash between Christianity and the pagan traditions of the Roman Empire. Made in Germany during the early 16th century, this drawing reflects the religious and political tensions of the Reformation. Altdorfer's choice to depict Saint Catherine's defiance speaks to the broader cultural debates about religious authority and individual conscience. The image suggests the period's questioning of established institutions. Historical records, theological texts, and studies of the Reformation era can give us more insight. These resources help us understand the complex interplay of religion, politics, and art in shaping cultural identity.