The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine of Siena
Medium
Tempera and gold on wood
Dimensions
Overall, with added strips, 12 x 12 in. (30.5 x 30.5 cm); painted surface 11 3/4 x 11 3/4 in. (28.9 x 28.9 cm)
Classification
Paintings
Department
European Paintings
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Lore Heinemann, in memory of her husband, Dr. Rudolf J. Heinemann, 1996
Accession Number
1997.117.2
Tags
Art Historical Context
In the intimate glow of *The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine of Siena*, Giovanni di Paolo captures a profound moment of spiritual ecstasy. This 15th-century Sienese master depicts the visionary saint receiving a ring from the Christ Child, symbolizing her mystical union with Jesus—a theme drawn from Catherine's own writings and visions. Flanking the central figures are Saints Peter and Paul, adding layers of apostolic authority to the divine betrothal. Created with tempera and gold on a small wooden panel (roughly 12 x 12 inches), the work likely served as a devotional object for private pr...