114: PAIR 16TH CENTURY MANNERIST SCHOOL OILS ON CANVAS

(Circa 16th/17th Century)
The full-length depiction of female figures in Mannerism School pose, each standing upon a ledge; St. Catherine the fourth-century Alexandrian princess who converted to Christianity, chose God over the affections of emperor Maxentius and was beheaded for refusing his love, she stands holding the green palm frond of the martyr, beside her the wheel with iron spikes that she was sentenced to prior to beheading. The companion image of an unidentified Saint remains a mystery, typically St. Barbara and St. Catherine are depicted together, St. Barbara represented the active life whereas St. Catherine represented the contemplative life in early art and literature. The subject in question rests one hand on an unidentified staff-like object with gold tufted end, her opposite hand at her breast, there are no other attributes to assist in identification.
Each canvas measures 68 x 24.75 with a frame of 72.5 x 29.5 inches.
Re-lined, areas of in-painting and over-painting that do not fluoresce under UV light, scattered craquelure, scattered cracks and bits of loss, replacement stretchers.
$5,000 - $7,000