St Catherine of Siena (detail) by Carlo Dolci (c. 1665-1670)

This detail from a painting of St Catherine of Siena alludes to this late medieval saint’s legend. In Dolci’s work Catherine appears in the habit of a Dominican tertiary. By honouring one of the saint’s visions, this painting dramatises her affective spirituality which focused on tears and empathy with Christ’s suffering. Catherine’s letters (of which over 300 survive) and other writings reveal her passionate commitment to uniting herself with Christ. Her intense devotion found expression in love and care for the poor as well as in reprimands to corrupt

civic and religious leaders. Throughout her life, she received mystical visions, in which Christ responded to her urgent requests for spiritual assistance. On one such occasion during a period of great difficulty Christ appeared before Catherine and asked her to choose either a precious crown or a crown of thorns. What might the saint’s choice of the latter signify? According to Catherine, her embrace of the crown of thorns declared her unwavering desire to commit herself totally to following the steps of Christ.

The 2015 Art Guide has been compiled by Claire Renkin, well-known Art Historian and Lecturer at Yarra Theological Union and recorded by Geraldine Doogue, Australian Journalist, Radio and Television Host.

Learn more about the Columban Art Calendar: www.columban.org.au