The artwork titled “Mystic Marriage of St Catherine” was created by Parmigianino in 1527. Executed in oil on a panel, the painting measures 21 x 27 cm and belongs to the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement. This religious painting is currently housed in the Louvre, Paris, France.
The artwork depicts a serene and sacred scene, characteristic of religious paintings from the Renaissance period. Central to the composition is the figure of the Madonna, gently holding the Christ Child. Saint Catherine, clad in modest attire, is depicted on the left, tenderly receiving the Christ Child’s hand in a symbolic gesture of betrothal. The expressions and postures of the figures convey an ethereal calmness, enhanced by Parmigianino’s delicate use of light and shadow. The background showcases a lush, natural setting, with the composition subtly guiding the viewer’s eye towards the interaction between the holy figures. Parmigianino’s attention to detail and his ability to capture the divine essence of the scene exemplify the sophisticated artistry of Mannerism.
