St. Cecilia c. 1850

Antoine Wiertz painted "St. Cecilia" in the 19th century. Wiertz was part of the Romantic movement in Belgium, which emphasized emotion and individualism. Here, St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music, is depicted looking up towards angels. She is typically represented with musical instruments. In Wiertz's painting, the angels float ethereally, carrying musical symbols. The expressions of the figures suggest a state of divine inspiration and religious ecstasy. Wiertz, during a period of intense artistic nationalism in Belgium, sought to express grand, often moralizing themes. His vision of St. Cecilia reflects the 19th-century idealization of women as sources of virtue and spiritual insight. Yet, such representations often confined women to limited roles. Consider how Wiertz’s personal beliefs about art's role in society shaped his portrayal, inviting us to reflect on the intersections of gender, faith, and artistic expression.