Saint Cecilia (Sketch for a Ceiling Mural)
1887.117
Name/Title
Saint Cecilia (Sketch for a Ceiling Mural)Entry/Object ID
1887.117Tags
Consult expertDescription
This work is a sketch of (or for) a ceiling mural which has not yet been identified. Saint Cecilia of Rome was a second century martyr, who is one of the martyrs recalled in the Canon of the Mass. She was condemned to death for her Christian faith, but the first attempt at executing her by smothering with steam failed. They then attempted to behead her. Although three strikes of the sword failed to decapitate her, she died from her wounds three days later. When her body was discovered years later it was found to be incorrupt, with three fingers outstretched on one hand (for the Holy Trinity) and one finger outstretched on the other (for one God). Her connection as patron saint of musicians and church music stems from an account that she sang to God as she was dying.Artwork Details
Medium
Paper, Pen and ink, washCollection
Archabbey-European Prints and DrawingsCataloged By
ChristopherAcquisition
Accession
1887.117Acquisition Method
Found in CollectionMade/Created
Artist
Unknown (in the manner of Giovanni Battista Tiepolo)Date made
1700 - 1750Notes
Date: early 18th Century Artist's School: German Technique: DrawingEthnography
Culture/Tribe
Northern European