Artwork
Saint Cecilia in a Landscape
Saint Cecilia in a Landscape is an ink print by the Baroque artist Balthasar Moncornet. It dates from 1634 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Saint Cecilia in a Landscape is a 1634 engraving by French artist Balthasar Moncornet, combining religious subject matter with landscape elements in a characteristic style.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving portrays Saint Cecilia, a Christian martyr, situated in a serene garden setting, adorned in flowing robes and holding a small organ, symbolizing her patronage of music.
Technique & Style
Moncornet employed cross-hatching to achieve depth, particularly in shading the sky and trees, demonstrating his skill in manipulating light through intricate line work on metal.
History & Provenance
Created in 1634, the work reflects Moncornet's dual expertise as a painter and engraver, though specific ownership history prior to its current location is not detailed here.
Context
This piece exemplifies 17th-century French artistic trends that integrated religious themes into natural landscapes, a departure from more austere religious art forms.
Legacy
While not extensively detailed here, *Saint Cecilia in a Landscape* contributes to Moncornet's recognized body of work, inviting further exploration of his contributions to French art, as suggested by the reference to seek additional information on the artist.
Artist & collection
Artist
Balthasar Moncornet (1600, Rouen – 1668, Paris) was a French painter, engraver, and tapissier revered for his depictions of around 45 different prominent figures of the 17th century.
