Dood van de heilige Cecilia 1622

Giovanni Battista Pasqualini created this print, The Death of Saint Cecilia, in the early 17th century. It illustrates the death of Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music, within a Roman interior. This work offers insights into the cultural and religious values of its time, reflecting the Catholic Church's emphasis on martyrdom and saintly devotion during the Counter-Reformation. The image creates meaning through visual codes and cultural references, such as the angel holding a wreath above Cecilia, symbolizing her heavenly reward. The attention paid to the architecture could allude to institutional settings such as the church, whilst the classical statues placed within niches are a reference to the artistic tradition. Understanding the cultural and institutional history of Pasqualini's time allows us to appreciate the artwork as more than just a religious depiction, but also as a reflection of the complex interplay between faith, power, and artistic expression. Historical resources will allow researchers to dig deeper into the meaning of the artwork.