Polychrome Carved Walnut Figure of St. Catherine of Siena

A large polychrome carved walnut seated figure of St Catherine of Siena, French, possibly the Alsace region, 16th century. 143 cm high, 68 cm wide, 64 cm deep. St Catherine of Siena, born Catherine Benincasa in 1347, was a mystic, tertiary (lay) member of the Dominican Order, philosopher, theologian, writer and successful advocate for the return of the Papacy to Rome from Avignon. According to her legend, she began receiving mystical visions at the age of five or six. It is reported that, at twenty-eight, she received the stigmata of Christ on her hands, feet and side and the following year had a vision in which she was mystically wedded to Christ. She is the patron saint of Siena and is featured in many artworks describing her life and miracles. Her following spread widely, especially after her canonisation in 1461. This polychrome wood sculpture was possibly created in the Alsace region. It shows the saint wearing the traditional black and white habit of the Dominican order, however the belt and hems are gilded. The work probably originally occupied an elevated position in a church; her eyes are shown cast downwards, either in contemplation or looking protectively over the congregation below. Her hands are comparatively large and clasped across her chest. Interestingly, they do not depict the stigmata as is common in many other representations. This may be because hagiographical accounts state that she asked Christ that the wounds not be visibly present. The work also depicts her with short hair; an unusual feature given that many images of the saint either show her with long hair or with hair completely covered by a veil. This may reflect that, as a young woman, Catherine cut off her long hair as a means of refusing the familial and societal demands to conform and particularly, to attract a husband. Dr. Bronwyn Stocks