Saint Cecilia is the patron saint of music, musicians, composers, instrument makers, and poets.
She is often depicted playing the viola, the organ, or other musical instruments, but here she is seen engaging in the aristocratic sport of falconry, and feeds a falcon perched on her hand.
The avian theme continues in the margins, which contain four large feathers. These feathers are in turn decorated with pairs of white wings, which are lures used to entice the bird back to the falconer. Also embellishing these feathers are gold letters that have been interpreted as the initials ‘CD’ for Catherina Duxissa, or Catherine the Duchess.
This is the second image recreated from The Hours of Catherine of Cleves, a gothic book of hours (or prayer book) which was produced in around 1440. It was commissioned for Catherine of Cleves, Duchess of Guelders and contains 157 ornate coloured and gilded miniatures such as this.
Printed in yellow, red, blue, and black Risograph on 150gsm paper. Size: 36.5cm x 26cm
Please note: print will be shipped in a poster tube with tracked shipping
