The artwork titled “Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine,” created by Parmigianino between 1527 and 1531, is an oil painting on panel that is characteristic of the Mannerism or Late Renaissance art movement. This religious painting measures 74.2 by 57.2 cm and is located at the National Gallery in London, UK.
The artwork captures a sacred and intimate moment featuring multiple figures. Central to the composition is the symbolic marriage between Saint Catherine and the infant Jesus, who is seated on the Virgin Mary’s lap. Saint Catherine, on the right, is depicted with a serene expression, delicately reaching out towards Jesus while kneeling beside a spiked wheel, referencing her martyrdom. The Virgin Mary, dressed in a flowing dress with soft color contrasts, holds the infant Jesus, whose gaze and gesture are directed towards Saint Catherine, emphasizing the divine connection between them. In the lower left foreground, an elderly bearded man, possibly Saint Joseph, is depicted in profile, adding a sense of depth and perspective to the scene. The backdrop features rich drapery and architectural elements, enriching the setting with a sense of depth and grandeur. The overall composition exudes an ethereal quality, characterized by Parmigianino’s refined technique and the elongated forms typical of Mannerist aesthetics.
