Filippo Neri hoort de engelen zingen 1630 - 1641

This engraving by Luca Ciamberlano depicts Filippo Neri enraptured by the music of angels. The saint, identified by his halo, kneels with hands raised, a gesture of reception and ecstasy. Above him, angels playing instruments, including harps, float on clouds. The harp, an ancient symbol, appears in both classical and religious contexts, representing harmony and divine connection. We see this motif echoed throughout art history, such as in medieval depictions of King David, playing the harp as a conduit to spiritual experience. Consider the psychological weight of music: its ability to bypass conscious thought and stir deep emotions. Ciamberlano’s depiction of Neri suggests not just a visual representation of holiness but an emotional awakening. The motif’s enduring appeal demonstrates a potent force engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The sound of the harp—or the idea of heavenly music—reverberates through time, shifting in meaning yet retaining its power to evoke the divine.