Saint Cecilia playing the Organ
Italian School
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
1600 - 1699
Materials
Oil on canvas
Measurements
787 x 724 mm (31 x 28 1/2 in)
Place of origin
Italy
Order this imageCollection
Fenton House, London
NT 1449086
Caption
St Cecilia was an early Christian Saint and virgin martyr. She was also the patron Saint of music, which is why she is here shown playing the organ. A passage from the account of her life describes how ‘while Cecilia was being led into the house of her betrothed on her wedding day to the sound of musical instruments, she invoked only God in her heart, asking him the favour of keeping her soul and body without stain.’
Summary
Oil painting on canvas, Saint Cecilia playing the Organ, Italian School, 17th century. Probably copied from an Italian (?16th century) painting. Playing the organ left, her dark bodice embroidered with gold with pink damask skirt; with crown. Two little boys behind with a music sheet.
Provenance
Major George Henry Benton Fletcher (1866-1944), Old Devonshire House, Bloomsbury, London (given by him to National Trust in 1937; house perished in an air raid); installed in Fenton House in 1952
Credit line
Fenton House, Benton Fletcher Collection (National Trust)
Makers and roles
Italian School, artist possibly German School, artist