Porträt Der Katharina Schwarz Mit Den Attributen Ihrer Namensheiligen 1510

Hans Holbein the Elder painted this portrait of Katharina Schwarz, likely in the early 16th century. It’s a fascinating piece, especially when we consider the dual layers of identity at play. On one hand, we have Katharina, a woman of her time, depicted with the solemnity and style befitting a portrait of the era. Yet, this isn't just Katharina; it's Katharina as Saint Catherine, her namesake. Note the wheel, an attribute of the saint, a symbol of her martyrdom. What does it mean to be named after a saint, to carry that legacy? How does that shape a woman’s sense of self? In this moment, Katharina is not only a woman but an idea, a representation. Holbein captures her in this intersection, a space where personal identity meets cultural and religious expectations. The painting becomes a meditation on the roles we play and the names we carry.