The Mystical marriage of Saint Catherine
Bernardino Luini·1520
Historical Context
Bernardino Luini painted this depiction around 1520, contributing to the devotional art of the High Renaissance period. Saints' images served as intercessors and models of virtue for the faithful. The painting is in the Museo Poldi Pezzoli Altarpieces featuring rows of standing saints served both liturgical and devotional functions, identifying the church's patron saints and giving worshippers specific objects for personal prayer Egg tempera on panel was the dominant technique of the period, de
Technical Analysis
The devotional composition is rendered with attention to the expressive and contemplative qualities that served the painting's function as an aid to prayer and meditation.
