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

Albrecht Altdorfer’s drawing "St Catherine of Alexandria refusing to worship the idol" is a pen and ink drawing, dated 1500-1512. The drawing depicts St Catherine, a popular female saint from the early Church, refusing to worship an idol. It is a depiction of a key episode in her life, where she refused to sacrifice to the Roman gods, and instead declared her devotion to God. The drawing is noted for its detailed rendering of the architectural setting, and the dramatic poses of the figures. It is currently housed in the Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK), Copenhagen, Denmark.