The Martyrdom of Saint Catherine 1563

"The Martyrdom of Saint Catherine" is an etching by Italian artist Mario Cartaro, created in 1563. The artwork depicts Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a popular Christian martyr, being executed on a spiked wheel. The depiction is dramatic and detailed, with a multitude of figures involved in the execution, including soldiers struggling with the spiked wheel and Saint Catherine herself, reaching towards a heavenly figure with outstretched arms. The image showcases the artist's masterful use of line and shading, conveying the energy and tension of the scene. This etching is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection in New York City, offering a poignant glimpse into the artistic and religious practices of the 16th century.