Guido Reni
Guido Reni was a Baroque painter from the Bolognese school. He was one of the most famous artists of his time mainly known for his religious paintings. His style also reflected the classical manner as seen in his painting of St.Cecilia.
St. Cecilia is the Patron Saint of Music. She is often represented with an organ, which you can see in the background of this painting. Here she delicately holds a violin, the bow positioned across it perhaps forming the sign of a cross as she looks to the heavens, communicating to God through music.
Legend has it that St. Cecilia could play any instrument and was so exalted she could hear the songs of the angels. The whiteness of her skin is almost marble-like with the contrasting black background highlighting the celestial beam on her being.
This painting of St. Cecilia depicts a sense of serenity and devotion however her death was anything but peaceful. She was sentenced to death for giving her possessions to the poor and for not sacrificing to the Gods. Her inexperienced executioner carried out three unsuccessful attempts to behead Cecilia; she succumbed to her wounds three days later.
- Heidi Werber
P.S. Do you know your Saints? Here is a quiz with saintly attributes!