November 1, 2011

St. Catherine


Every time I visit the Blanton I stop by to see this little gem in the European galleries.  Painted by Bartholomaeus Spranger, a Flemish painter of the 16th century, it depicts St. Catherine victoriously holding down her oppressor with one foot, book in hand, as she gazes upward towards crown-bearing cherubs, or Heaven.  My brother tells me she was a scholar and a strong female figure in Catholic tradition, and also an inspiration in the naming of my niece.  Today, on All Saints Day, my darling niece turns three.  Happy birthday, sweet Catherine!

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