This panel was originally part of a much larger composition. Saint Catherine stands behind a donor, a cleric, who faces a missing scene representing either the Crucifixion or the standing Virgin, which would have formed the object of the donor’s devotion. In the lower right corner an inscription identifies the donor as rector de Melle, a clergyman in charge of the parish of the town of Melle in western France. The panel must have been commissioned for a church in this town with which the donor was affiliated. A scroll near the donor reads Miserere mei deus (God have mercy on me).

Henry C. Lawrence (American Art Galleries sale, 24 January 1921, cat. #383).

Saint Catherine is likely included here because the donor had a particular devotion to her. It is also possible that the church in which this glass originally hung was dedicated to Saint Catherine.

Dedication

One of the techniques used to make this stained glass window is the use of colorants. Manganese and copper were added to the glass when it was formed, which produced the vibrant blues, reds, and golds you see here.

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Saint Catherine with a Kneeling Male Donor

France, Poitou, Melle, 15th century

Did You Know?

Description