Artwork

Saint Cecilia and scenes from her life

Saint Cecilia and scenes from her life, by Master of Saint Cecilia, tempera, 1304
Saint Cecilia and scenes from her life, by Master of Saint Cecilia, tempera, 1304

Saint Cecilia and scenes from her life is a tempera painting by the Byzantine icon painting artist Master of Saint Cecilia. It dates from 1304 and is held in the collection of the Uffizi Gallery.

About this work

Overview

Saint Cecilia and scenes from her life is a 1304 tempera painting by the Master of Saint Cecilia, now housed at the Uffizi Gallery. The work is divided into nine sections, with a central figure surrounded by eight narrative scenes.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure depicts Saint Cecilia in a pink robe and black dress, holding a green object (likely a symbol of her martyrdom or faith). The surrounding scenes illustrate key events from her life, including her martyrdom, gatherings, and architectural settings, contextualizing her story.

Technique & Style

Executed in tempera, the painting showcases the medium's capacity for depth and texture, characteristic of the artist's style. The composition's central focus with peripheral narrative scenes reflects a common medieval storytelling approach.

History & Provenance

Created in 1304, the painting is attributed to the Master of Saint Cecilia. Its current location is the Uffizi Gallery, though the provenance prior to its acquisition is not detailed here.

Context

The painting reflects medieval religious art's tendency to combine central saintly figures with vignettes from their lives, educating viewers about the saint's virtues and martyrdom.

Artist & collection

Artist

Master of Saint Cecilia

This artist painted vivid tempera panels of holy figures in the 1300s, right in the thick of Italy’s early Renaissance.

Uffizi Gallery

Museum

Uffizi Gallery

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Uffizi Gallery open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.