Siena to host international exhibition on Saint Catherine

The Santa Maria della Scala museum complex in Siena will host the international exhibition ‘Santa Caterina da Siena. Estasi e ardore’ from November 28, 2026, to March 30, 2027. The exhibition will feature over sixty works, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, engravings, and printed books.

Curated by Alessandro Angelini, Gabriele Fattorini, and Michele Maccherini, the exhibition focuses on the evolution of Saint Catherine’s iconography from the period following the Council of Trent through the 17th century, ending with the pontificate of Alexander VII. A central theme is the depiction of mystical experiences, such as ecstasy and stigmata, which faced historical liturgical debates.

The exhibition highlights the work of Sienese painter Francesco Vanni and his circle, including Ventura Salimbeni, Raffaello Vanni, Alessandro Casolani, Francesco Rustici, and Rutilio Manetti. The project includes an itinerary connecting various sites in Siena, such as the Basilica of San Domenico and the Chigi Chapel, aiming to integrate art, history, and religious tourism.