Description:

Hl. Cäcilia
Italy 17th century
Circle of Cristofano Allori (1577-1621) or Antonio Franchi (1638-1709)
Oil on canvas, relined
208 x 109 cm, with frame 224 x 124 cm

The painting of St. Cecilia was created by an Italian master in the 17th century. It shows the standing figure of the saint at the organ, her typical attribute that distinguishes her as the patron saint of church music. According to a legend, she lived in the 3rd century AD and converted numerous people to Christianity. She mocked the prefect of Rome and the pagan rituals, whereupon he had her executed. However, she did not die after the three strokes of the sword that were to behead her, but survived another three days to distribute her belongings to the poor. Therefore, she is also depicted with the sword, her instrument of torture.
The impressive female figure and her imposing posture are at the center of this depiction. Cecilia is playing the organ to her left with her right hand, her fingertips resting elegantly on the keys. With her left hand she is leaning rather passively on the hilt. Her gaze is turned upwards to the right; from here rays of light descend from the sky and the chubby-cheeked face of a putto can be seen looking down at the martyr. She seems moved by the game and enraptured by the divine presence, clearly recognizable by her upward gaze and her mouth twisted into a slight smile. The finely modeled facial features and the light incarnate are additionally emphasized by the elegant, detailed pleated robe, which seems to catch the incidence of light. The dark fur around her shoulders, the thin, precious-looking fabric of the red dress, which is trimmed with jewelry at the décolleté, and the small tiara make St. Cecilia appear to be a lady of the upper class. The draperies are enlivened by quick brushstrokes, giving her appearance a dynamic splendor.
The painting is probably attributable to the Florentine Mannerist school of the 17th century, the circle of Cristofano Allori (1577-1621) or Antonio Franchi (16638-1709). Allori synthesized the richness of detail of Florentine painting with the luminous Venetian coloration. Related is the depiction "Judith with the Head of Holofernes." Franchi is called "il Lucchese" and portrayed especially the Florentine high nobility. Both devoted themselves mainly to religious subjects, for example martyrs such as St. Cecilia. The painting technique is comparable to the painting of Anna Maria Luisa de Medici. The painting of St. Cecilia is a masterly execution of divine epiphany with outstanding eye for detail, variously applied surface texture and dramatic coloration.

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