Raffaello Sanzio, Santa Cecilia in estasi con i santi (1518 circa) 02

The central figure, Saint Cecilia, holds a portable organ with downward-pointing pipes, symbolizing her turning away from earthly sound. At her feet lie several broken and discarded musical instruments, including a viola da gamba, flute, and tambourine. Above the earthly gathering, a celestial choir of six angels appears in a break in the clouds, singing from open songbooks.

This painting is a visual manifestation of Neoplatonic theories regarding the 'harmony of the spheres' and the hierarchy of music. It depicts the soul's transition from 'musica instrumentalis' (man-made music) to 'musica mundana' (divine harmony), reflecting the philosophical influence of Marsilio Ficino and the Renaissance revival of Pythagorean ideas.