Description Francesco Paglia attr. Saint Catherine of Siena Oil on canvas cm 71.5x89.5 The central figure is Saint Catherine of Siena, recognizable through several traditional iconographic elements. Young and sweet face, with an ecstatic and contemplative expression, typical of depictions of mystical saints. Golden crown on her head, a symbol of her spiritual royalty and her importance in the Church (she is a Doctor of the Church and patron saint of Italy). White veil covering her hair, characteristic of the Dominican habit, the order to which she was affiliated as a tertiary. In her right hand, she holds a palm of martyrdom and a crucifix, symbols of faith and deep mystical devotion. The palm, in particular, is also a symbol of spiritual victory and sacrifice. The setting is simple, with a dark and undefined background, which highlights the figure of the saint within a pictorial oval, as if it were a framed portrait. Mature work, referable to the late period of Francesco Paglia's pictorial production (Brescia 1635-1714) as can be deduced from precise stylistic references of the same with similar productions in terms of typology present in the city of Brescia: the cycle of roundels of Saints made at the end of the century for the basilica of the Madonna delle Grazie and a Saint Eurosia present inside the diocesan Seminary. Many stylistic references peculiar to Paglia: for the Saint, whose resemblance to the painting of the Seminary is remarkable, the diagonal cut as a figurative prototype typical of the painter. Also common is the tendency to flatten the background with the clear desire to give importance to the narrated subjects, also through the wise use of soft light and veiled color. From the critical sheet by Dr. Michele Peli The painting is accompanied by: Expertise Dr. Michele Peli Dimensions cm 71.5x89.5 Provenance Private collection Conditions Work, in first canvas, has recently undergone conservative restoration. Slight signs of retouching from previous restorations.