Duif boven een groep symbolische objecten 1849

Eugène Van Maldeghem made this print, "Duif boven een groep symbolische objecten," in 1849. At its centre, a piece of sheet music titled "In Festo Pentecostes," or "The Feast of the Pentecost," is framed by rich vegetation. Maldeghem was a Belgian artist working during a time of increased secularisation across Europe, and this artwork, published in a journal called "Cecilia," is interesting in that context. The journal was named for the patron saint of music, and the image contains a crown, a paintbrush, and a lyre. As a whole, it seems to make an argument for art as something with a spiritual function, even in the absence of formal religion. To understand it better, we can look into the history of journals such as "Cecilia," and the social function that sacred music played in 19th century Belgian society. Looking into Van Maldeghem's other works might also reveal something more about his artistic intentions. Understanding art always requires some research into its historical context.