PROVENANCE: Duchess d'Uzes, Frances Hoepli, Paris and New York, 1932; Julius Weitzner, London, 1973; BJU, 1973.

One of the few and first artists in Rome to learn and practice the style of Caravaggio firsthand was Orazio Gentileschi. He met the master around 1600 and became captivated by his dramatic lighting effects and vividly naturalistic use of models. Gentileschi developed his own interpretation of his friend's style with intense colors, bold compositions, and acute articulation of details such as the luxurious fabric, flowers, and pillow in the present work. He taught his daughter, Artemisia, his craft, and she became one the preeminent female painters of the 17 th century.

St. Cecilia became a popular subject in 17th-century art. When the Academy of Music began in Rome in 1584, she was made the patroness of the institute and hence, the patron saint of music in general. Furthermore, in 1599 her namesake church in Trastevere, Italy, underwent renovations that uncovered the sarcophagus believed to contain her remains. These two events caused a great resurgence of her popularity throughout Europe. Here we witness part of her legend where an angel is handing her the floral wreath of purity while her husband Valeriano stands in awe of the celestial angel and Valeriano's brother, Tiberzio, peeks through the doorway. Legend says that all three were martyred for their faith in Christ.