Catherine de Vigri - painter 1413-1463

Painting by St. Catherine of Bologna

Catherine de Vigri (1413-1463), more commonly known as St. Catherine of Bologna, is the patron saint of painters. She was abbotess of a strict convent of Poor Clares in Bologna, and was known for living an austere religious life and having visions of Mary. During her time as abbotess, she was a prolific illustrator of religious scenes, many of which were illuminated. She also devoted time to larger paintings of Jesus, Mary and the saints, and wrote several devotional works as well.

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