De H. Cecilia aan het orgel c. 1593

This engraving of Saint Cecilia at the Organ was made by Zacharias Dolendo around 1600 in the Netherlands. The image depicts Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music, playing an organ surrounded by angels singing from sheet music. The engraving creates meaning through its visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. The inclusion of musical notation and instruments reflects the cultural importance of music in the Netherlands at the time. The angelic figures refer to Christian religious themes. The fashion and architecture in the image create a sense of grandeur and luxury, reflecting the wealth and power of the Dutch Republic during its Golden Age. We can see references to the relationship between religious institutions and artistic patronage. The artwork invites us to consider the role of art in shaping our understanding of the world. To understand it better, we might research the history of music in the Netherlands, the role of religion in Dutch society, and the patronage of the arts by wealthy individuals and institutions. Art is contingent on its social and institutional context.