St Catherine of Alexandria disputing with the Fifty Philosophers

Images(2)

St Catherine of Alexandria disputing with the Fifty Philosophers

Attributed to Giovanni Il Cosci Balducci Italian, 1560 - 1631

Datec. 1580-1630

PeriodLate 16th - Early 17th century

Classification(s)

Art / Drawings

Object TypeDrawing

Extent1 sheet

Registration NumberFAS/D/235

DescriptionThe scene depicted shows St Catherine of Alexandria, in the centre, a highly intelligent and devout Christian woman, disputing with fifty pagan philosophers, featured behind her, at the request of Emperor Maxentius, who is the second figure on the left, seated on a throne. The emperor hoped to convince her to renounce her faith, but Catherine's eloquent arguments and conversion of the philosophers instead led to her own martyrdom. Annotations and MarksOn top right of backing sheet, in graphite: no. '32', circled; bottom corner of backing sheet to the right margin: early Museum stamp & in faded ink no. '2972'Material

Pen and brown ink with wash over graphite on laid paper

Technique

Drawing

Place of Manufacture

Italy

DimensionsSupport: 17.3 x 15.7 cmCuratorial RemarksBalducci's drawing was formerly attached to the verso of Mattia Preti's 'St Firminius' (FAS/D/234), a larger sheet which may have acted as a support for this drawing. The drawings were separated in 2023 during conservation treatment. Stylistically, the drawing is mannerist and several similarities can be observed with drawings by the Zuccari, Naldini and Balducci. The light, spirited pen-and-wash technique over an energetic graphite underdrawing aligns more closely with Balducci’s compositional drawings than with those of his teacher, Naldini, whose works in the same medium display a heavier touch, more angular lines, and a more pronounced influence from his own artistic predecessors, Pontormo and Vasari.ProvenanceAcquired for the museum in 1933 from an unknown private collection in Malta. Published ReferencesM.A.R. (1933-34), p.xviii/M18, no.70
Giovanni Bonello, 'A Drawing by Filippo Paladini discovered?', in Treasures Of Malta, Christmas 2003, No 28, Vol X, No 1, pp. 13-17 - attributed to Filippo Paladini

Alternate ID Numbers