Saint Cecilia And The Concert Of Angels, Gerard Seghers (antwerp, 1591 - 1651) workshop

Gerard Seghers (Antwerp, 1591 - 1651) workshop
Saint Cecilia and the Concert of Angels
Oil on canvas
98 x 120 cm. - Framed 113 x 137 cm.

All the details relating to this painting can be viewed at the following - LINK -

This evocative painting, which we are pleased to show you, derives from a composition by Gerard Seghers (1591 - 1651), an acclaimed Flemish painter of the Caravaggio school, a version of which is now in the Scheidwimmer Collection in Munich (URL: https://catalogo.fondazionezeri.unibo.it/scheda/opera/99390/) [1].

In the centre of the composition is portrayed Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music, accompanied by three musician angels, one at her side intent on reading the score and the other two playing a flute and a lute respectively. Cecilia's encounter with the angels is therefore approached by the painter as a concert scene, in which the Saint is intent on listening to the melody of the instruments of the three angels accompanying her voice.

A Roman noblewoman who later converted to Christianity, she was a popular subject in the Baroque period, as the patron saint of music, instrumentalists and singers, and is depicted here as a splendid maiden dressed in regal attire.

Beautiful and evocative is the detail of her gaze, turned upwards and radiating a mystical and divine light: this is because it is precisely through music that the Saint rises towards the divine.

The most fascinating aspect of the work is undoubtedly its setting in the dark, precisely by candlelight, falling within the genre that was extremely widespread in 17th century Flemish painting under the influence of Caravaggio's work; this technique, capable of creating highly suggestive luministic effects, was to take the name ‘Caravaggesque luminism’.

As the proposed work well illustrates, the artist, through his control of light and darkness, shapes an atmosphere of strong emotion, through which, out of deep darkness, he makes the plastic figures stand out with vigour.

Our painter can certainly be traced back to the group of Nordic Caravaggists to which Seghers belonged, who, as was customary among Flemish painters of his generation, came to Rome in the very first years of the 17th century to study Caravaggio's celebrated creations at first hand, whose direct influence he suffered.

[1] Although the original prototype has been lost, this depiction was made famous by the engraving by Nicolaes Lauwers (1600-1652) made and published in Antwerp around 1619-1652.
URL: https://catalogo.fondazionezeri.unibo.it/scheda/opera/99391/

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is in good condition with the presence of restorations on the surface as visible from the pictures.

The work sold is completed by an attractive wooden frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and guarantee.

We take care of and organise the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.

Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information.

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