Antique painting on copper,double painting,St. Catherine of siena

Antique double-sided copper painting on two sides in the first dating from the 17th century depicting St. Catherine of Siena in the other side painting later late 1700s early 1800s probably depicting the virgin - mis.18 cm x 14 cm Saint Catherine of Siena, a prominent Italian religious figure. She is depicted wearing the typical dress of the Dominican Mantellate (white habit and black cloak). The emblems in the painting, such as the book, cross, and crown of thorns, are all symbols associated with her iconography. Catherine of Siena is venerated as a saint, Doctor of the Church, patroness of Italy and co-patroness of Europe. Her life was marked by intense charitable activity, literary works (such as "The Dialogue of Divine Providence") and an active role in the political and religious affairs of her time, including urging the Pope to return to Rome from Avignon. The figure wears a monk's habit and has a halo, indicating his holiness. She devoutly clutches a small crucifix to her chest, while a book, probably the Bible or a prayer text, is open beside her. Paintings depicting saints in ecstasy or prayer, embracing the crucifix, are common in Counter-Reformation art, which aimed to inspire devotion and piety among the faithful. The presence of the book suggests a figure devoted to contemplative prayer and the study of scripture