Antonio Correggio The Mystic Marriage of St Catherine

Antonio Correggio’s The Mystic Marriage of St. Catherine

🖋 Provenance Story – The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine, after Correggio

This painting arrived folded in kraft paper, tucked under the arm of a London-based dealer who knew I had a soft spot for devotional works with depth, both emotional and visual. I didn’t immediately clock the Correggio connection the first time I saw it. It was the light that pulled me in first: soft, swirling, human—then the gaze — Saint Catherine, downturned but luminous. The infant Christ reaching, not formally, but intimately. That’s when I knew.

A little research confirmed the lineage: this is a late 18th-century copy of Correggio’s iconic Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine, originally painted in the early 16th century and now housed in Naples. But this version bears the hallmarks of another hand — most closely aligned with Antonio Cavallucci’s celebrated interpretation at Stourhead House. The composition is slightly more compressed, the brushwork gentler, more lyrical than theatrical.

What makes this piece compelling is its purpose: it was likely made not as a forgery, but as homage — the 18th-century equivalent of owning a limited-edition masterwork. At a time when Grand Tour collecting was a rite of passage among Europe’s elite, religious paintings like this were reproduced for the educated eye and devotional heart. This one, relined and restored in the 1970s, still carries the warmth and devotional weight it was born with.

Today, it feels timeless again. The figures are alive with chiaroscuro softness. The gesture — the tender not-quite-touch between Christ and Catherine — resonates more than ever. It’s romantic, reverent, and quietly revolutionary.

For collectors of classical or religious art, or those curating interiors with soul and substance, this painting isn’t just decorative. It’s narrative. It’s art with ancestry.

This stunning 18th-century copy draws inspiration from the masterpiece The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine, originally painted by Antonio Correggio and currently housed in the Museo di Capodimonte, Naples. Antonio Correggio’s The Mystic Marriage of St. Catherine painting exemplifies his mastery of soft chiaroscuro, harmonious composition, and deep emotional expression.

This particular copy closely resembles a larger version created by Antonio Cavallucci (1752-1895), which is displayed at Stourhead House. Other well-known copies of Correggio’s The Mystic Marriage of St. Catherine are preserved in the Hermitage Museum in Russia and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, attesting to the enduring popularity and influence of this iconic composition.

Subject and Symbolism: Antonio Correggio’s Saint Catherine Mystical Betrothal

The painting depicts the mystical marriage of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a legendary Christian martyr. According to tradition, Saint Catherine experienced a vision in which she became the spiritual bride of Christ. In most artistic interpretations, the infant Jesus is shown placing a ring on her finger to symbolize their union. However, in this version, the connection between Christ and Catherine is portrayed through gentle touches and loving eye contact, capturing a moment of tender interaction. This choice emphasizes the emotional depth and nuanced storytelling that distinguish Antonio Correggio’s depiction of Saint Catherine.

The figures are beautifully rendered, with Saint Catherine’s serene expression and modest posture conveying devotion and humility. The Virgin Mary’s maternal gaze and Christ’s delicate hand gesture reflect the intimate, familial bonds central to the composition. These subtle details demonstrate Correggio’s mastery in evoking spirituality and human connection through refined visual language.

Medium and Technique

The painting is executed in oil on canvas, showcasing the rich, luminous colours and smooth tonal transitions characteristic of High Renaissance artistry. The painter skillfully uses light and shadow to create a sense of depth and softness, bringing the figures to life within their serene, ethereal setting.

Condition Report

• The canvas has been relined and underwent restoration in the 1970s.

• Fine spider-web craquelure is present across the surface, a natural sign of age.

• Minor areas of overpainting are visible in the sky and on one hand.

• The frame, also from the 1970s, shows minor losses.

• Detailed photographs are available for a closer inspection of the painting’s condition.

Correggio's Saint Catherine painting

• Antonio Correggio's The Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine painting

• Antonio Correggio Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine

• 18th-century copy of Correggio’s The Mystic Marriage of St Catherine

• Religious painting of Saint Catherine of Alexandria

• High Renaissance oil painting inspired by Correggio

• Tender gestures and mystical symbolism in religious art

• Museum-quality copies in Hermitage and Philadelphia Museum of Art

• Stourhead House artwork by Antonio Cavallucci

Buyer Information

This piece is an exceptional choice for collectors and enthusiasts of Renaissance religious art. Featuring the revered theme of Saint Catherine of Alexandria and inspired by one of Antonio Correggio’s most famous works, The Mystic Marriage of St. Catherine painting will enhance any classical art collection. Art buyers interested in Correggio-inspired reproductions or seeking religious-themed masterpieces will appreciate its historical significance and refined execution.

Measurements

Excluding frame

Width 38 cm

Hight

47 cm

UK mainland shipping £45

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