St. Cecilia by Raphael 1514

This is the painting many falsely believe was the first artistic depiction of St. Cecilia as musical, but as written in my essay there were previous art works doing so in the fifteenth century. This painting is more popular because it is by Raphael and goes beyond simple imagery. There are numerous instruments shown in the painting and in separate visual areas. In the heavens angels are singing without accompaniment, St. Cecilia is holding a small organ, and other instruments such as a tambourine, a viol, a triangle, a flute and others lie at her feet. The angels singing and her holding the organ represent the glory of sacred music as opposed to purely instrumental music, for music at that time was believed to be most important for praising God. The people surrounding her are John the Evangelist, Augustine, Paul and Mary Magdelene. Cecilia's rich clothes tied with a belt symbolize her virtue and chastity; their color of golden yellow symbolize her desire of God. This painting portrays her as more than a musical muse, but as a virginal Saint important among Saints.