GHISI, Giorgio
(b. 1520, Mantova, d. 1582, Mantova)

Sts Blaise and Catherine and St Sebastian

1545-50
Engraving
British Museum, London

This engraving was made after Michelangelo's Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel. The contemporary engraving shows St Catherine of Alexandria, holding the broken wheel with spikes protruding from its rim which was an instrument of her torture. It indicates that St Catherine was originally painted nude, looking up at a threatening Blaise hovering above her. Both were later painted over by Daniele da Volterra.