The Art of Illumination

Belles Heures of Jean de France, duc de Berry, 1405–1408/9. Herman, Paul, and Jean de Limbourg (Franco-Netherlandish, active in France by 1399–1416). French; Made in Paris. Ink, tempera, and gold leaf on vellum; 9 3/8 x 6 5/8 in. (23.8 x 16.8 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, The Cloisters Collection, 1954 (54.1.1).

Saint Catherine Cycle
Saint Catherine Refuses to Worship the Idol, Folio 15v

The space is divided by a column topped by an idol, the golden figure of Mars, and although Catherine occupies the smaller half, she dominates the scene while leaning away from the pagan symbol. The emperor Maxentius, her adversary, brandishes a sword but glances backward to one of his advisors.