(Malines 1577–1627 Rome)
The Martyrdom of Saint Catherine,
oil on copper, 49.5 x 35 cm, framed

Despite the high quality of execution, the present painting has so far eluded a convincing attribution. A northern artist active in Rome in the late 16th century appears most plausible. A likely candidate would appear to be Pietro de Lignis.

Lignis was born in Flanders as Pieter van den Houte but moved to Rome in 1599, being recorded as a member of the Accademia di San Luca there in 1607. De Lignis’ style recalls that of other northern artists working in Rome at this date: his landscapes are often reminiscent of Paul Bril and the detailed painting technique demonstrates a knowledge of Adam Elsheimer and Carlo Saraceni’s small paintings on copper.

Very few paintings by the artist are known and this painting can be compared with his other works. The first, an Adoration of the Magi in the Museo del Prado, Madrid, which is signed and dated “Pietro de Lignis fiamengo in Roma 1616”, is on a copper plate, and the second, also signed and on copper, showing The Martyrdom of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, was sold Sothebys London, 25 May 1988, lot 126. The present painting was most probably executed in Rome, at some time during the second decade of the 17th century. Saint Catherine features prominently among the subjects of Lignis. His works including her, all on a relatively small scale and on copper, almost form a group within the artists’ oeuvre. A comparable painting is in the Staatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe (inv./cat. no. 2812, oil on copper, 67.1 x 50 cm, signed Pietro du Bois.ALIAS.DI / LIGNIS.IN ROMA).