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Nicolás Solana

Saint Katherine of Alexandria before the Roman Emperor

Early 15th century
Tempera and gold on panel
135.3 × 64.1 cm (53.3 × 25.2 in)

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Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia · verified July 2026

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FROM THE BARNES FOUNDATION’S CATALOG

This painting by the Spanish artist Nicolás Solano shows St. Katherine debating with the enthroned Roman Emperor Maxentius (r. 306-312 CE). He pulls his beard in frustration that Katherine has converted thousands of his subjects to Christianity. Even though his assistants prepare Katherine to die, her gold halo indicates that her martyrdom would be rewarded with eternal life. Part of a monumental altarpiece, the painting's message of faith and redemption would have been especially powerful to the congregation.

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