Saint Cecilia

Pietro da Cartona (1596 - 1669) was a leading Italian artist, architect and decorator of Baroque style. He was responsible for decorating many of Rome’s churches and palaces. In his early life in Rome, he was inclined towards antique sculpture and the work of Raphael. This work of Saint Cecilia by Cartona is one of the early works of his career. Here, the patron saint of music, Saint Cecilia is shown seated in a calm and composed manner at a table. She is shown with a palm branch in one hand which symbolises her martyrdom and a music sheet in the other. The subject of martyrdom can also be seen in many other portray works of saints by Cartona. Here, saint Cecilia is depicted wearing a crown of roses. According to legend, the saint converted her husband under the folds of Christianity and therefore she was given a crown of roses by an angel. Her divinity is marked by a halo over her crown. On her left, a portable organ is placed whereas on the right an angle is shown leaning on a harp. At the top right corner of the painting, a temple belonging to the classical period is placed by Cartona. Therefore, it can be inferred that the Saint belonged to the classical third century B.C.E. period.