Description
The painting The Martyrdom of St Catherine of Alexandria by the artist Vicente Castelló is a work that attracts attention for its baroque artistic style and its dramatic composition. The scene represents the moment in which the saint is tortured and beheaded by order of the Roman emperor Maximino Daza.
The composition of the work is very careful, with a disposition of the characters that generates a sensation of movement and tension. The central figure of St Catherine is located in the center of the painting, surrounded by Roman soldiers and other characters who watch the scene with expressions of horror and pain. The lighting is another outstanding aspect of the work, with skilful use of shadows and light contrasts that highlight the figure of the saint.
As for colour, the painting uses a palette rich in dark and earthy tones, with details in gold that add a touch of elegance and solemnity. The use of the chiaroscuro technique, typical of the Baroque, provides depth and volume to the characters and objects in the scene.
The history of the painting is interesting, as it was commissioned by the Brotherhood of San Cayetano de Valencia in the 17th century for their chapel in the church of San Martín. The work was restored several times over the centuries and is currently in the Museum of Fine Arts in Valencia.
A little-known aspect of the painting is that Vicente Castelló was not a well-known artist in his time, but his work has been appreciated in recent years thanks to the quality and impact of his religious paintings. The Martyrdom of St Catherine of Alexandria is a sample of his ability to capture the emotion and power of religious scenes in his work.