Object: R 142, Gilles Hendricks (1632 - 1677), Peter Paul Rubens (1577 - 1640), Schelte à Bolswert  (1581 - 1659), Die Heilige Cäcilia am Spinett, 1630 - 1677
Gilles Hendricks

Saint Cecilia Playing the Organ

Creation
1630 - 1677
Dimensions
39 x 30.6 cm
Material / Technique
paper/engraving
Category:
Rubens prints
prints, photographs
Publisher
Gilles Hendricks (1632 - 1677)
Artist
Peter Paul Rubens (1577 - 1640)
Engraver
Schelte à Bolswert (1581 - 1659)

About the object

Saint Cecilia is often portrayed with a musical instrument such as a spinet, because she is honoured in Christian tradition as the patron saint of church music. Her life and legend are strongly linked with music: during her wedding, she is said to have sung for God alone, though the ceremony was a worldly affair. Later, this song was interpreted as an expression of her spiritual commitment.