Focus on Saint Catherine (Caravaggio) and discuss the History and description.
The painting was part of the collection of Cardinal Francesco Maria Del Monte, where it was cataloged in 1627. The saint, together with Mary Magdelene, were among the Cardinal's favorites.
According to Alessandro Zuccari, it was painted on the suggestion of the Cardinal when Caravaggio was living with him in the Palazzo Madama.
As the model for the saint, Caravaggio controversially chose Fillide Melandroni, a well known Roman prostitute he had fallen in love with and who caused him many problems. Fillide would again model for him in Martha and Mary Magdalene, Judith Beheading Holofernes, and in a single portrait burned in Berlin during World War II.
Mary Magdalene Berlin Caravaggio Francesco Maria Del Monte Palazzo Madama Fillide Melandroni Mary Magdelene Martha and Mary Magdalene 1627 World War II Judith Beheading Holofernes