Saint Catherine (far left panel)
- Artist: Master of the Dominican Effigies
- Date: 1345
- Medium: tempera on panel
- Museum: The Courtauld Gallery
- Collection record: The Courtauld Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is the “Saint Catherine (far left panel)” by the Master of the Dominican Effigies, a Florentine hand from 1345 painted in tempera on panel. The Master, known for his manuscript illumination, likely studied under Pacino di Bonaguida, and you can see that influence in the crisp outlines and delicate gilding. He also owes a debt to Bernardo Daddi, whose calm devotional quality echoes in the serene faces of the Virgin and Child.
The composition is a classic altarpiece: the Virgin holds the Child at the center, surrounded by a circle of saints. Their selection follows the typical hierarchy—St. Augustine, St. Jerome, and St. Catherine—each positioned to frame the central devotion. On the far right stands Mary Magdalen, but an inscription beneath her reveals a twist: she was originally painted as Saint Margaret. The dragon she holds, a classic Margaret attribute, is still visible, hinting at a curious iconographic shift.
Notice how the Master uses color: the deep reds of the Virgin’s mantle contrast with the muted blues of the saints’ robes, creating a visual balance. The tempera’s fine application gives the figures a translucent, almost manuscript‑like quality, tying the panel back to the Master’s illuminated works. The overall effect is a harmonious blend of Florentine elegance and a subtle narrative, inviting viewers to contemplate both the spiritual and the artistic story this 14th‑century piece carries.
See it in person
Saint Catherine (far left panel) hangs in The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House, London. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
