Marriage of Saint Catherine
Medium
Pen and brown ink, over traces of black chalk, on ivory wove paper
Dimensions
26.3 × 21.6 cm (10 3/8 × 8 9/16 in.)
Classification
pen and ink drawings
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
85997
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
This delicate drawing by Domenico dalla Rosa captures the mystical Marriage of Saint Catherine, a beloved theme in Christian art symbolizing the saint’s spiritual union with the Christ Child. Often shown with the Virgin Mary placing a ring on Catherine’s finger, the subject reflects themes of devotion, wisdom, and divine love that resonated deeply in European religious culture. Created with pen and brown ink over faint traces of black chalk on ivory wove paper, the work highlights the artist’s precise linework and subtle tonal modeling. Measuring just over ten inches tall, such intimate drawi...