The Virgin and Child with Saint Barbara and Saint Catherine of Alexandria

The Virgin is seated at the centre of the composition, wearing a red robe and a blue mantle, holding the naked infant Christ and is flanked either side by a female saint. Her long wavy hair is worn loose and falls over her shoulder. The group is positioned in front of a landscape with a castle perched on a hill at the left and a tree marking the central axis. A tower occupies the space on the right-hand side, and as a common attribute of St Barbara it may be inferred that the saint is represented here. A further attribute that of the wheel is visible beneath the robe of the saint reading on the left, and is usually associated with St Catherine. Unusually St Barbara appears to be holding the ring, which is a symbol of St Catherine’s affiliation to Christ and her mystical marriage.

[cda 2020]