Detail; Saint Katherine of Alexandria and the Conversion of the Philosophers Who Are Burned Immediately before Saint Catherine’s Imprisonment, c. 16th C
Oil on panel
H 69 x W 56 cm
Fairfax House, Castlegate, York, North Yorkshire, England
The Emperor commanded that the holy virgin be kept under close guard and immediately sent the following decree to every city in his dominions: “The Emperor Maxentius to all the learned philosophers and orators in the lands under my rule: Hail! Come to me, all you who serve the most wise god Hermes and call upon the Muses as patrons of erudition, and stop the mouth of a certain learned maiden who has appeared as of late and mocks our gods, calling their histories myths and fables. Come, that you may display your knowledge of the wisdom of the ancients, be acclaimed by men, and receive from me gifts as rewards for your labors!”…
Zaidan Gallery 
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