Saint Catherine of Alexandria c. 1597

Caravaggio's "Saint Catherine of Alexandria" from c. 1597 portrays the saint in a moment of quiet contemplation. Known for his dramatic use of light and shadow, Caravaggio depicts Catherine with a serene expression, holding a sword and a palm branch, symbols of her martyrdom. The broken wheel, a reference to her torture, is prominently placed in the background. This dramatic realism, combined with the focus on psychological detail, exemplifies the artistic style of the Baroque period.