Roundel, St. Martin healing the lame and blind beggars against their wishes, 15th century (CH 18710469)

Five small roundels embroidered in colored silks and gold. Three illustrate scenes from the legend of St. Catherine of Alexandria; two others scenes from the life of St. Martin.

St. Catherine of Alexandria was a 4th-century Christian martyr and saint. According to tradition, she was a learned and beautiful woman who converted to Christianity and became a noted defender of the faith. She was imprisoned and subjected to various tortures, including being broken on a wheel, but survived. She is said to have converted the emperor Maxentius to Christianity before her ultimate execution. St. Catherine is the patron saint of philosophers, students, and preachers and is venerated by the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Coptic Churches.