Saint Catherine and Saint Barbara (pair)

This pair of panels depicting Saint Catherine and Saint Barbara by the Master of the Holy Blood dates from around 1520 and comes from the circle of painters active in Bruges during the final flourishing of Netherlandish panel painting. The anonymous master takes his name from a triptych in the Church of the Holy Blood in Bruges. Catherine and Barbara were among the most venerated female saints in the late medieval Low Countries, frequently paired as intercessors and patronesses of learning and protection from sudden death.

Painted in tempera on wood panel, these companion pieces display the meticulous detail and rich color characteristic of late Bruges painting, with careful rendering of the saints' attributes and elaborate drapery in the tradition of Memling and David.