Saint Catherine of Alexandria, circle of Veit Stoss the elder, c. 1510-1520, limewood - John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art - Sarasota, FL - DSC00536

Exhibit in the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art - Sarasota, Florida, USA.

St. Catherine of Alexandria was a 4th-century Christian martyr and saint. According to tradition, she was a learned and beautiful woman who converted to Christianity and became a noted defender of the faith. She was imprisoned and subjected to various tortures, including being broken on a wheel, but survived. She is said to have converted the emperor Maxentius to Christianity before her ultimate execution. St. Catherine is the patron saint of philosophers, students, and preachers and is venerated by the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Coptic Churches.