Antique Painting On Copper, Double Painting, Saint Catherine Of Siena

An antique double-sided copperplate painting; the first side dates to the 17th century and depicts Saint Catherine of Siena, while the other side, painted later (late 18th to early 19th century), likely depicts the Virgin Mary -
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 marked by intense charitable work, literary works (such as "The Dialogue on Divine Providence"), and an active role in the political and religious affairs of her time, including urging the Pope to return to Rome from Avignon. The figure wears a monastic habit and has a halo, indicating her holiness. 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 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 scripture