Italian school, XVII century. "Saint Catherine of Siena". Oil on canvas. Relined. Measurements: 63 x 47 cm. Devotional painting with representation of Saint Catherine. Represented of half body, with the head inclined on a crucifix and also carrying a bouquet of lilies, symbol of purity, the composition is characterized by the refined combination of blacks and whites in rich baroque contrast. The fine features of the young woman are framed by the draped veil. The half-closed eyelids reveal the black intensity of her prayerful eyes. Born in Siena around 1347, she took a vow of virginity at the age of seven. As her mother wanted to marry her off, she shaved her head. Received into the Third Order of St. Dominic at the age of sixteen, she led an ascetic life in the convent that ruined her fragile health. She professed a particular devotion to St. Agnes of Montepulciano. According to legend, when Catherine visited the tomb of St. Agnes, and was bending over the body of the saint to kiss her foot, the saint raised it to the height of her lips. She was glorified for having contributed to bring Pope Gregory XI to Rome from Avignon. On the occasion of the Western Schism, she took the side of Urban VI. She died in Rome in 1380 and was canonized in 1461. Dimensions 63 x 47 cm.