Saint Cecilia (1895) by John William Waterhouse

Saint Cecilia - John William Waterhouse - 1895

Artwork Information

TitleSaint Cecilia
ArtistJohn William Waterhouse
Date1895
Mediumoil,canvas
Art MovementRomanticism
Current LocationMontreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA), Montreal, Canada

About Saint Cecilia

The artwork titled “Saint Cecilia,” created by John William Waterhouse in 1895, is an oil painting on canvas embodying the Romanticism movement. This religious painting is currently housed at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) in Montreal, Canada.

The artwork portrays Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians, in a serene garden setting, tenderly listening to angelic musicians playing string instruments. Saint Cecilia is depicted sitting gracefully on a carved stone bench, with her eyes gently closed, holding a sacred text. She appears immersed in the divine music, conveying a sense of tranquility and spiritual rapture. The angels surrounding her add a celestial ambiance to the scene, emphasizing the ethereal and romantic nature of the painting. In the background, one can observe a harmonious blend of nature and classical architecture, with distant ships and lush greenery creating a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere. The delicate detail in the angels’ white robes, Cecilia’s elaborate attire, and the vibrant garden exemplify Waterhouse’s meticulous craftsmanship and romantic artistic vision.

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