Martyrdom of St. Catherine 1615

Peter Paul Rubens' "Martyrdom of St. Catherine" (1615) depicts the death of the Christian martyr, St. Catherine of Alexandria. The scene is set in a dramatic, theatrical composition, with a group of figures clustered around the kneeling Catherine. An angel descends from the heavens, offering Catherine a crown of martyrdom, while the executioner stands ready to carry out the sentence. The painting showcases Rubens' signature style, characterized by dynamic composition, bold color, and fleshy figures. This work, now housed at the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille, is a testament to Rubens' skill as a master of Baroque painting.