Raphael: Saint Cecilia: Bologna Museum 300 ppi Image

Title: Raphael Saint Cecilia Bologna Museum
Source : Art Catalogue
Year Published: 1830
File Type: jpeg
Resolution: 300 ppi
Width: 2315px
Height: 3686px
Print Size: 7.7 x 12.3 inches

Saint Paul, saint Augustin, saint Cecilia, saint John, and saint Magdalen, assembled to sing the praises of God, suspend their songs and listen to a celestial concert.

This picture, which has been exhibited for many years at the Museum in Paris, was painted by Raphael, in 1513 , for the cardinal Laurentio Pucci, who placed it in the church of Saint-John-del-Monte at Bologna. It may seem extraordinary to see five figures standing side by side without any connexion with each other. It is probable that if Raphael could have arranged the composition as he pleased, he would not have disposed it thus, but it is well known that, in his time, those who commanded a picture often prescribed to the artist not only the number of the figures they wished to see there, but the names also of persons to be represented, and moreover sometimes the positions which they desired might be given to them. The purity of the design, the beauty of the colouring, and the truth of the expression, were the only means left with which the painter could display his talent.

There is a fine copy of this picture, by Guido Reni, to be seen at Rome in the church of Saint-Louis-des-Francais.

The best engravings of this subject are those of Strange, R. U. Massard, and Fr. Et. Beisson, for the engraving of Mark-Antony was taken from a drawing which is now in England, and forms a part of M. Morel de Vinde’s cabinet.

Height, 7 feet 8 inches; breadth, 4 feet 9 inches.