Altarpiece with painted scenes of life and martrydom of Cecilia

St. Cecilia and Stories of her Life

Artist: unknown

Year: 1300

VM number: 0004

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Description: St. Cecilia, altarpiece, scenes from her life and maryrdom. Wedding feast, husband Valerian, brother-in-law Tiburtius baptized by Pope Urban I, Cecilia preaching sermon, Prefect Almachius. Florentine painter worked with Giotto on frescoes of the Upper Church of St. Francis in Assisi. Altarpiece originally painted for now destroyed church of St. Cecilia in Florence. Entered Uffizi in 1844. Cecilia appears enthroned, with simple crown/headress, holding palm frond, box. Martyr.

Art Commentary: This altarpiece was painted by an anonymous Florentine painter, known by his work with Giotto on frescoes in the Upper Church of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy. The design of this piece is similar to Sienese masters of late thirteenth century: the enthroned saint in center panel with scenes from her story on left and right sides. Salvaged from the church of St. Cecilia in Florence (which was destroyed by fire in 1304), the painting now resides in the Uffizi Gallery.

The virgin martyr Cecilia is depicted in the center panel, seated on a throne. She wears a black dress, gold-trimmed at neck and sleeve, enfolded by a red robe. Her white and pink veil is trimmed with lace. She holds a palm frond in her right hand (symbol of martyrdom) and a leather bound book in her left hand.

The scenes of her life include: (left side) wedding feast, conversion of Valerian, honoring of chaste marriage, and Cecilia teaching Valerian and brother. (right side) baptism of Valerian, Cecilia preaching to crowd, trial of Cecilia, her execution attempt in steam bath.

Architecture in the background of these scenes occupies significant space in the micro paintings.