The artwork, titled “St. Cecilia (The Angels Announcing her Coming Martyrdom)” by Gustave Moreau, was created in 1897. Rendered in oil on canvas, this exemplary piece of the Symbolism art movement measures 60 x 73.3 cm and is classified under the genre of religious painting. The artwork currently resides in a private collection.
The artwork presents a celestial proclamation of St. Cecilia’s forthcoming martyrdom, featuring exquisitely detailed angels bathed in rich, vibrant hues, indicative of Moreau’s symbolic style. Positioned in an ethereal landscape, St. Cecilia appears in a state of serene contemplation amidst the divine messengers. The angels, adorned with intricate halos and resplendent wings, emphasize the sanctity and impending sacrifice of the saint. The painting’s composition and use of dramatic lighting evoke a transcendent and mystical atmosphere, characteristic of Moreau’s profound religious narratives.
