Saint Great Martyr Catherine of Alexandria, with Scenes from Her Life. Wooden orthodox icon.

Saint Great Martyr Catherine of Alexandria, with Scenes from Her Life. Wooden orthodox icon.

This exceptional icon depicts Saint Catherine of Alexandria, the Holy Great Martyr, surrounded by hagiographic scenes from her life, making it one of the earliest and most profound representations of the saint in Christian art.

✨ Original prototype: 13th century, Byzantium
✨ Type: Hagiographic icon with life scenes
✨ Tradition: Byzantine Orthodox iconography

Saint Catherine of Alexandria is revered as one of the greatest female martyrs of the early Church. Renowned for her extraordinary wisdom, beauty, and unwavering faith, she fearlessly confessed Christ before Emperor Maxentius. According to tradition, she confounded pagan philosophers through divine wisdom, endured cruel tortures, and ultimately accepted martyrdom for Christ.

Iconography

At the center, Saint Catherine is shown in regal martyr’s attire, symbolizing her noble origin and spiritual royalty. She holds the cross of martyrdom, a sign of her victory through Christ.

Surrounding the central figure are scenes from her life (vita), illustrating:

• Her confession of Christ before the emperor
• Her debate with pagan philosophers
• Her imprisonment and miraculous endurance
• Her martyrdom and heavenly glorification

These narrative scenes transform the icon into a visual Gospel, inviting prayerful contemplation and spiritual reflection.

Spiritual Meaning

Saint Catherine is especially venerated as:

• A patroness of learning, wisdom, and students
• A protector of those seeking truth and courage in faith
• A model of purity, strength, and intellectual devotion to Christ

Icons with life scenes were traditionally created for deep catechesis and monastic prayer, making this image both theologically rich and spiritually powerful.

This icon is not only a sacred object of devotion but also a masterpiece of Byzantine art, reflecting the refined style, balanced composition, and spiritual depth characteristic of 13th-century iconography.

🕯️ A meaningful choice for a home icon corner, chapel, or as a rare collector’s piece of Orthodox sacred art.

🖼 Product Features

Each icon in our workshop is made to last a lifetime and beyond. The image is printed with rich, fade-resistant pigment inks on a premium solid-core wood panel — then hand-finished with a natural beeswax coating that deepens the colors, protects the surface, and gives each piece the warm, reverent quality of a traditionally crafted sacred object. A metal hanging hook is included on the back, so your icon is ready to display the moment it arrives.

• Crafted on a premium wood panel — 1.6 cm (0.6") thick, sturdy yet lightweight
• Fade-resistant pigment print — rich, true-to-life colors that last for generations
• Natural beeswax finish — hand-applied for depth, protection, and a traditional feel
• Ready to hang — metal hook pre-attached on the reverse
• Hand-finished by Orthodox Christian artisans in Portugal

📏 Available Sizes

• Small – 12 x 15 cm (5” x 6”)
• Medium – 23 x 30 cm (9” x 12”)
• Large – 30 x 39 cm (12” x 15”)

🎁 Perfect For

• Meaningful Orthodox Christian gifts
• Housewarming and family blessings
• Prayer corners and devotional spaces
• Baptisms, name days, weddings, and feast days

🌍 Worldwide Delivery

Securely packed and shipped worldwide from Portugal with tracking.

✨ Crafted with Tradition

Each icon is carefully made by Orthodox Christian artisans in Portugal — created to become a lasting blessing for your home or a treasured gift for someone you love.