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St. Catherine of Siena and the Beggar, 1460s. Creator: Giovanni di Paolo (Italian, c
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St. Catherine of Siena and the Beggar, 1460s. Creator: Giovanni di Paolo (Italian, c
St. Catherine of Siena and the Beggar, 1460s. Saint Catherine (1347-1380) was the daughter of a prosperous Sienese cloth dyer. At the age of six, she saw a vision of Christ and thereafter dedicated herself to chastity, penance, and good works. She became much beloved in Siena for selflessly caring for victims of the Black Death. These panels were once part of a predella (or pedestal) of a large altarpiece painted for the Hospital Church of Siena. The main scene of this altarpiece, showing the Presentation of Christ in the Temple (now preserved in Siena) was ordered by the Pork Butchers Guild (the Pizzicaiuoli) in 1447. The predella was added later when Catherine was canonized in 1461. In the first panel, she kneels before an altar and reaches up to choose from the monastic garments offered by Saints Dominic, Augustine, and Francis, all founders of religious orders. Catherine takes the habit of Saint Dominic, which she wore as the founder of the Sisters of Penance. The second panel shows, at the right, Saint Catherine giving her cloak to a beggar. The beggar was really Christ in disguise, and at the left returns the cloak to her. For this act of charity, the cloak perpetually protected its wearer from the cold
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Media ID 19642979
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Giovanni Di Paolo Siena Tempera And Gold On Wood
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the essence of St. Catherine of Siena and her unwavering dedication to serving others. Painted by Giovanni di Paolo in the 1460s, this piece showcases two panels from a larger altarpiece that was once housed in the Hospital Church of Siena. In the first panel, we see St. Catherine kneeling before an altar, surrounded by Saints Dominic, Augustine, and Francis. She reaches up to choose a monastic garment offered by these revered figures, ultimately selecting the habit of Saint Dominic. This choice symbolizes her role as the founder of the Sisters of Penance and highlights her commitment to a life devoted to chastity and good works. The second panel depicts an act of profound compassion as St. Catherine gives her cloak to a beggar on the right side. Unbeknownst to her at that moment, this beggar is actually Christ himself in disguise. In a beautiful twist, depicted on the left side of the panel, Christ returns her cloak as gratitude for her selfless act. This powerful image represents not only St. Catherine's charitable nature but also serves as a reminder that acts done with pure intentions can have everlasting effects. The perpetual protection provided by this cloak signifies divine favor bestowed upon those who show kindness and generosity towards others. Giovanni di Paolo's masterful brushwork brings this significant moment in history vividly to life while honoring St. Catherine's remarkable legacy as she continues inspiring generations with her exemplary devotion and compassion.
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