CATHERINE OF BOLOGNA

BIOGRAPHY

Catherine of Bologna was born Caterina de Vigri on September 8, 1413 and died on March 9, 1463. Caterina was an artist and a saint. Her father was Giovanni Vigri, who served as a diplomatic agent for Marquis of Ferara. She was also the daughter of Benevenuta Mammolini. Between the ages 11-14 Caterina served as a handmaid to her father's client Marquis of Ferara. After her service she left the court to become a Franciscan Teritary. Caterina wanted to live a life of perfection and was admired for her holiness.

She began to receive visions from Christ and Satan; she wrote about these experiences. One of which occured on Christmas. Catherine was the Patron of Artists. Her creative spirit led her to the receival of this title. She excelled at miniature painting, Latin, and playing the viola. She constantly used her talents to her advantage. She always played viola, even on her deathbed. She also painted religous paintings and one of them hangs in a Venica gallery. She also wrote a lot of poetry.