Raising of the Cross - St Eligius and Catherine by Pierre Paul Rubens

Designed as the wing of a monumental altarpiece, this religious artwork honors a major martyr figure surrounded by sacred symbols. The artist Pierre Paul Rubens composes in “Sainte Catherine” an allegory of steadfast faith and princely dignity. The Baroque approach is fully expressed through the character’s presence and the preciousness of ornamental details.:::::The saint stands majestically in the foreground, wearing a pearlescent white satin gown and a heavy gold-embroidered cloak. Her inclined head is crowned with a sparkling tiara resting atop wavy blonde hair. With her right hand, she holds the hilt of a wavy-bladed sword resting on the stone pedestal. In her left hand, she grasps a large palm frond of martyrdom reaching toward the top of the canvas. In the shadowy background, a bearded holy bishop holds a carved crozier solemnly. The lower pedestal displays classical reliefs depicting cherub heads and fruit garlands.:::::The skill of Pierre Paul Rubens manifests in the dazzling rendering of silk reflections and the sword’s metallic shine. His sovereign command of oil color confers supreme elegance and striking realism to the figure.