Saint Catherine of Siena c. 1729 - 1742

Editor: This is Simon François Ravenet the Elder's "Saint Catherine of Siena." It's a print, and it feels very ethereal, almost dreamlike. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a potent symbol of female spiritual authority, framed within the context of religious patriarchy. Catherine, despite living in a society that often silenced women, became a Doctor of the Church. How does Ravenet portray her agency, or lack thereof, within this framework? Editor: Well, she's ascending, surrounded by angels. Does that suggest power or simply divine favor? Curator: It suggests both. Consider the historical moment and the constraints placed on women. Is Ravenet celebrating her defiance or reinforcing a narrative where female power is only legitimate through divine intervention? Editor: That's a fascinating point. I hadn’t considered it that way. Curator: Understanding the social context surrounding Catherine's life and the print's creation is crucial to interpreting its message. Editor: I'll definitely keep that in mind going forward.