The Mystic Marriage of St. Catherine 1599

Adam Elsheimer's "The Mystic Marriage of St. Catherine" (1599) is a captivating depiction of the Christian legend. The painting features St. Catherine kneeling before the Virgin Mary, who holds the Christ Child. Surrounding them are angels, musicians, and other figures, including a bearded old man seated on the lower right, possibly representing the viewer. Elsheimer’s use of chiaroscuro and atmospheric perspective creates a sense of depth and drama, giving the scene a celestial quality, a hallmark of his style.