Saint Cecilia

Saint Cecilia by Bernard Strozzi is the subject of this visual analysis. It is an oil on canvas portrait that highlights a youthful woman. It was painted circa 1620 to 1625. Making it a part of the Baroque period of art. Which had characteristics of heavy symbolism, deep and rich colors, and an attention to detail. The painting Saint Cecilia contains lighter shades than what is normal for the baroque period. Instead of rich and deep colors they are light a delicate. Though there is heaviness in the darkness of the background being darker than Saint Cecilia. The colors that make up Saint Cecilia’s dress is red, blue, and white. Blue and red are prominent colors of the Baroque period. Though through the highlighting of Saint Cecilia the red and blue of her dress appear to be lighter. In the darkening of the background it allows for the focus to be drawn to Saint Cecilia and to add dimension to the painting. Though the darkening of the background isn’t too severing as to allow for some details to pull through. Strozzi used a very intricate and detailed technique in painting Saint Cecilia. This can be seen through the realism in his painting of Saint Cecilia and through the intentional detail in what she wears. The detail that Strozzi uses in …show more content…
Strozzi gives the softer curving lines in the way that her dress and the shall pool on the floor. This is to give a softer quality to Saint Cecilia and to highlight her femininity. Another aspect of this is the elongation of her fingers and toes. At first glance there seems to be a normal proportion to her fingers and toes. Though once the viewer starts to analyze it becomes a noticeable detail. A harsher and more ridged structure comes of as a masculine trait. That can be seen in the background of Saint Cecilia. There are sturdy columns behind her that suggest strength and