The Miraculous Translation of the Body of Saint Catherine of Alexandria to Sinai

Karl von Blaas

Created:
Movement:
1850
None
key Notes:
Saint Catherine's Translation; Dramatic Divine Intervention
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Dimensions:
39 1/4 x 54 1/4 in. (99.7 x 137.8 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Master
New game
story of the work:

"The Miraculous Translation of the Body of Saint Catherine of Alexandria to Sinai," painted by Karl von Blaas in 1855, depicts the legendary transfer of Saint Catherine's remains to the Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai, a significant event in Christian hagiography. This work exemplifies the Romantic style prevalent in 19th-century Austrian art, characterized by its dramatic composition and emotive use of color, reflecting both religious devotion and the cultural interest in historical narratives during that period.

Description of the work:

"The Miraculous Translation of the Body of Saint Catherine of Alexandria to Sinai," painted by Karl von Blaas, features a dynamic composition that captures the moment of Saint Catherine's celestial ascent, surrounded by a group of angels and figures in a dramatic interplay of light and shadow. The artist employs a rich color palette and meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the rendering of fabrics and expressions, to convey a sense of divine intervention and reverence for the saint's legacy.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Harvard Art Museum

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The Miraculous Translation of the Body of Saint Catherine of Alexandria to Sinai