Wheel with Blades
Catherine wheel—sometimes with spikes shown explicitly for teaching.
Martyrs
Saint Catherine of Alexandria
Catherine of the Wheel
Martyr of Alexandria identified by a broken wheel
Saint Catherine of AlexandriaRaphael · c. 1507
01 / 03
- Feast
- November 25
- Era
- Early 4th century (trad.) · Alexandria
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
Iconographic Attributes
Iconographic field guide
Identifying features
The spiked wheel may appear whole, broken, or as a small handheld emblem. Crown and book signal nobility and debate with philosophers. Sword indicates beheading after the wheel miracle. Distinguish from Saint Barbara (tower) and from Fortitudo allegories without halo.
- Clothing
- royal dress · cloak
- Colours
- purple · red · gold
- Symbols
- wheel with blades
Visual Gallery
Works / 03Saint Catherine of AlexandriaRaphael · c. 1507
Saint Catherine of AlexandriaCaravaggio · c. 1598
Saint Catherine of Alexandriac. 1520–1530
Biography
Life & legacy
National Gallery, LondonMedieval accounts describe Catherine as a learned Christian who defended her faith at Alexandria. In the legend the wheel prepared for her execution broke, and she was beheaded. The broken wheel, sword and book recall these episodes.
Passio Catherine; medieval popularity lists; Joan of Arc’s reported voice of Catherine.
Representation in Sacred Art
Narrative scenes to recognize
debate with philosophers
wheel breaking
beheading
mystical marriage
Visual Recognition Guide
1.Broken wheel with blades
Instrument of her failed martyrdom, main attribute
2.Princess crown
Indicates her noble origin
3.Sword
Instrument of her final martyrdom
4.Book or scroll
Symbol of her wisdom and philosophical training
5.Palm of martyrdom
Symbol of victory over death
Patronage and Devotion
philosophersstudentslibrarianslawyerstheologians
Distinguishing Similar Figures
Often confused with Saint Barbara: Both are noble martyrs with tower or wheel
Notes from the Archive
- "Catherine wheels" are a type of firework in wheel shape
- One of the most popular saints in the Middle Ages
Practice
