Antique Copper Painting, Double Painting, Saint Catherine Of Siena

Antique double-sided copper painting, dating back to the 17th century, depicting Saint Catherine of Siena. The other side is a later painting, dating back to the late 18th/early 19th century, probably depicting the Virgin.
Measures 18 cm x 14 cm
Saint Catherine of Siena, a prominent Italian religious figure.
She is depicted wearing the typical habit of the Dominican Mantellate (white habit and black cloak).
The emblems in the painting, such as the book, the cross, and the crown of thorns, are all symbols associated with her iconography.
Catherine of Siena is venerated as a saint, doctor of the Church, patron saint of Italy, and co-patron saint of Europe.
Her life was characterized by intense charitable activity, literary works (such as "The Dialogue of Divine Providence"), and an active role in the political and religious events of her time, including exhorting the Pope to return to Rome from Avignon. The figure wears a monastic habit and has a halo, indicating her sanctity. She devoutly clutches a small crucifix to her chest, while a book, likely the Bible or a prayer book, lies open beside her. Paintings depicting female saints in ecstasy or prayer, embracing the crucifix, are common in Counter-Reformation art, which aimed to inspire devotion and piety among the faithful. The presence of the book suggests a figure devoted to contemplative prayer and the study of the Scriptures.