Crowning of Saint Catherine 

Peter Paul Reubens created "Crowning of Saint Catherine" in an unknown year using oil on canvas. The painting is defined by a dynamic composition, rich colours, and the robust figures characteristic of Rubens’s Baroque style. Notice how the structure of the artwork emphasizes circular movement, from the semi-circle of figures to the left and right of the Virgin Mary, up to the cherubic angels above. This cyclical arrangement is reinforced by the use of light and shadow, which draws your eye around the canvas, creating a sense of continuous motion. The diagonal lines, formed by the kneeling Saint Catherine and the vertical figures, add a sense of dynamism and energy, preventing the composition from becoming static. Rubens's use of colour is particularly striking. The vibrant reds and blues of the clothing contrast sharply with the pale skin tones of the figures. The rough brushstrokes lend an almost palpable sense of texture and materiality to the artwork. This focus on form and structure elevates the spiritual narrative, inviting us to contemplate the themes of divine grace and earthly devotion.