De heilige Catherina van Siena met doornenkroon 1717 - 1763

Pietro Monaco's engraving portrays Saint Catherine of Siena, her brow encircled by a crown of thorns. This potent symbol, derived from Christ’s Passion, signifies not only suffering, but also spiritual triumph and identification with Christ. Consider how this motif of the crown of thorns echoes across time. In ancient Greece, wreaths of laurel symbolized victory and honor, yet here, the thorns invert that tradition, transforming pain into a badge of spiritual honor. This motif recurs throughout Christian art history, from medieval depictions of the crucifixion to modern expressions of religious devotion. The poignant gesture of Catherine's hand upon her chest invites contemplation. It is a visual echo of the stigmata, an emblem of divine favor and profound empathy with Christ’s suffering. Just as in earlier depictions of saints displaying their wounds, here, Saint Catherine transcends her time, embodying a timeless archetype of spiritual endurance. This image is a powerful reminder of our shared capacity for empathy.