The Pinturichio school The small distemper-painted panel stems from the school of Pinturichio, the artistic name of Bernardino di Betto (1454 - 513). Pinturichio was highly influenced by his slightly older contemporary Perugino and worked with him on the frescoes in the Sistine Chapel commissioned by Innocentius VIII and Alexander VI. Although not rated very highly by art critics, Pinturichio and his school were in great demand as decorative painters in their time. The master was regarded as the first historical painter of his time and was given commendable assignments for the Sistine Chapel, the Castel Sant' Angelo and the cathedral of Sienna. His work is clearly influenced by Boticelli, with whom his colleague and role model Perugino had close contact.

AN 12

The Mystical Marriage of Saint Catherine (early 15th century) The painting depicts the legend of Saint Catherine, a very popular saint during the 15th and 16th centuries. Catherine of Alexandria was a cultured woman who had studied logic and philosophy. She was converted to the Catholic faith by a hermit who convinced her that Jesus was the only bridegroom worthy of such a beautiful and intelligent woman with her background. The painting shows Jesus, sitting on Mary’s lap, sliding the wedding ring over Catherine’s finger.

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