Santa Cecilia

This Saint Cecilia by Gentileschi depicts the patron saint of music, a subject that allowed her to combine her talent for female portraiture with the emotional expressiveness of a musical performance. Gentileschi painted numerous female saints and biblical heroines throughout her career. Artemisia Gentileschi's powerfully direct treatment of female subjects—heroines, saints, and biblical figures depicted with unprecedented psychological force and physical credibility—makes her one of the most significant figures in the Baroque tradition.

The figure is rendered with Gentileschi's characteristic bold palette and strong tenebristic lighting. The handling of the saint's expression and musical posture creates an image of inspired performance.