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Notes
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The painting depicts a traditional arrangement of the Madonna and Child with Saint Joseph and Saint John the Evangelist. Kneeling in the foreground are Saint Catherine (left) and Saint Apollonia, (right). Both were martyred for their faith in the early Christian era. Saint Catherine converted to Christianity after a vision where she was given to Christ in a mystic marriage and was martyred by the pagan Emperor Maxentius. Similarly, Saint Apollonia was martyred for her faith, burned alive after her teeth were broken. Little is known about the Italian Renaissance artist Francesco Brini. He is known for his devotional paintings – especially scenes of the Madonna with saints. He was a pupil of Michelle di Ridolfo and possibly the painter Ghirlandaio.
The painting was previously incorrectly attributed to Michelangelo.
National Trust for Scotland, Falkland Palace & Garden
Cupar
Title
The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine of Alexandria with Saint Apollonia, Saint Joseph and Saint John the Evangelist
Date
c.1550–1586
Medium
oil on panel
Measurements
H 190 x W 231 cm (E)
Accession number
52.260
Acquisition method
acquired from the Crichton-Stuart family, 1982
Work type
Painting
