PROVENANCE: Probably acquired in the 1620s by Natale Rondinini (d. 1627), Rome, by family descent until before 1807; Frederick and Georges Perkins, sold Christie's, June 14, 1890, lot 47; V. J. Watney Collection, 1915; O. V. Watney, Cornbury Park and Berkeley Square, London, sold Christie's London, June 23, 1967, lot 19; Christie's, London, March 10, 1978, lot 2; Julius Weitzner, London, 1981; BJU, 1981; M&G, 1999.

According to legend, Cecilia was a Roman woman whose wealthy parents gave her in marriage to a non-Christian. The organ has been her symbol since the fourth century, when Latin writings about her were misinterpreted. The phrase cantantibus organis illa in corde suo soli domino decanabat seems to indicate that Cecilia was an organist, but in reality it means "while organs were playing, she sang in her heart to God only."

In the painting, Cecilia is playing a song on a 17th-century cembalo, the precursor to the harpsichord. She looks heavenward to indicate the true source of her musical inspiration.

Lanfranco received training in the classical tradition from the brothers Agostino and Annibale Carracci. The works of Caravaggio also greatly influenced his style.