The Martyrdom of St. Catherine of Alexandria

Bernardino Poccetti (Italian, San Marino di Valdelsa 1548–1612 Florence)

Public domain photograph of 17th century Italian drawing, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

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.