Lot number 3533 - Auction 155
DIE HEILIGE CÄCILIA

CIRCLE OR SCHOOL OF ELISABETTA SIRANI January 8, 1638 Bologna - August 28, 1665 Ibid. SAINT CECILIA Oil on canvas (old relined). 85 x 70 cm (F. 109 x 90 cm). Partially rest., retouched. In a richly carved and gilded frame from the 18th/19th century. The half-length figure shows Saint Cecilia in three-quarter profile with her gaze turned upward in visionary rapture. In her hand she holds a stringed instrument - symbol of her patronage of church music. The softly modeled flesh tones stand out effectively against the dark background. The concentrated incidence of light models the face and neck with pearlescent delicacy and lends the depiction a quiet, contemplative intensity. The composition is stylistically closely related to early 17th-century Bolognese painting and shows clear influences from the art of Guido Reni. The idealized facial features, the calm lines, and the classically refined formal language refer to the Roman-Bolognese environment of that time. Provenance: International private collection.