Jesus Christ Crucified between St. Catherine of Alexandria and St. Julius, 1622

Guido Reni's "Jesus Christ Crucified between St. Catherine of Alexandria and St. Julius" (1622) is a powerful depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus. Reni, a leading figure of the Bolognese Baroque, skillfully contrasts the intense drama of the central figure with the contemplative postures of the saints. Saint Catherine, the patron saint of philosophers, holds a palm branch, a symbol of martyrdom. Saint Julius, the patron saint of the city of Rome, holds a cross, a reminder of Jesus's sacrifice. The dramatic use of light and shadow, characteristic of the Baroque style, adds to the emotional intensity of the scene, creating a sense of both suffering and divine grace.