Last year I gave you four St Cecilias to celebrate the day of our patron saint. This year it’s just one – this extraordinary early 17th century drawing by Daniele Crespi. Cecilia’s clothes are practically dropping off with the energy and ecstasy of her playing – the bellowsman struggles to keep up. And who are those leering figures in the background? The panel on the base of the organ reveals, I think, Cecilia’s forthcoming martyrdom (by beheading with a sword) – suggested by Crespi with a few nonchalant spirals of the pen.
(St Cecilia at the organ, Daniele Crespi (1590-1630) /Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest)
