Oil on copper signed “Horatio S” & dated “1565” in the center of the broken right wood wheel. Provenance : Cardinal Fesch (1763-1839) collection – Durutte family collection (Gift after Waterloo battle to General  Durutte (1767-1827) wounded at Waterloo. Saint Catherine was widespread during the 9th century and very common with Orazio Samacchini as well as for his friend Lorenzo Sabatini (1530-76) and they are often mingled. Samacchini stayed in Rome from 1561 until about 1564-1565. He participated there to religious buildings for Pope Pius IV and payments were recorded in 1563 and 1564. The patron saint of young ladies is a triumphant martyr spreading the wood wheels of her torment designated by her hands. The crown of martyrdom is on a probable Bible on bottom left. Catherine is coming forth even more radiant and beautiful after being tortured and the failure of Maxentius to make her yield to his proposed marriage. 15 pages study note available on serious request