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#530

Altar of Saint Catherine

Cranach der Ältere, Lucas (1472-1553) | Painter

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Cranach painted this altarpiece shortly after being appointed a court painter to Elector Friedrich the Wise in 1505. It probably hung in the Castle Church in Wittenberg, which also served the university after its foundation in 1502. St Catherine of Alexandria is the patron of educational institutions. According to the “Golden Legend”, she converted 50 philosophers to Christianity. She was therefore condemned to be put to death on a breaking wheel, but through God’s help the wheel shattered.

Material & Technique
Oil on limewood panel
Museum
Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister
Dating
1506
Inventory number
Gal.-Nr. 1906 B
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