Thomas Willeboirts Bosschaert (1613/14-1654) - attributed, Virgin and Child with Saint Catherine of Alexandria

Sitting in front of an apple tree and rose bush, Mary holds her son on her lap and looks at him with loving attention. The baby Jesus turns with playful joy to Saint Catherine, who approaches devoutly from the right with her arms crossed in front of her chest. She holds a martyr's palm in her hand, her blonde hair is adorned with a pearl necklace. The picture alludes to the "mystical betrothal" of Saint Catherine to Christ, which, according to legend, Saint Catherine experienced in a vision. The apple tree alludes to the Fall of Man, the roses are a symbol of Mary. Mary is called a rose without thorns because she was born free from original sin. The artist's powers of observation are evident in the depiction of the childlike behavior of the little Jesus. In the elegant composition, Flemish and Italian influences merge into a work that combines realism and idealism. Oil on canvas, 115 × 120 cm