Saint Catherine of Alexandria

Saint Catherine of Alexandria

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Because of her faith, Saint Catherine, a fourth-century virgin martyr, was tortured on a wheel and beheaded by a sword. The book she holds alludes to the knowledge that enabled her to refute the arguments of fifty pagan philosophers of Alexandria, one of whom is represented below her feet.

Medieval Art and The Cloisters

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world. Displayed in both The Met Fifth Avenue and in the Museum's branch in northern Manhattan, The Met Cloisters, the collection encompasses the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome in the fourth century to the beginning of the Renaissance in the early sixteenth century. It also includes pre-medieval European works of art created during the Bronze Age and early Iron Age.