Portative Collection

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by William McLaren
King Arthur welcomes the Green Knight into the Banqueting Hall and invites him to dismount and eat with the company. Everyone is amazed to see the unexpected visitor

Lady with a portative organ
Lady in 18th century costume playing a portative organ or organetto. Artist: May Bowley Date: 1905

Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Torche (portative); Torch; Bewegliche Fackel (engraving)
7197765 Le Vocabulaire Illustre: Torche (portative); Torch; Bewegliche Fackel (engraving) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

St Cecilia, 15th century (stained glass)
PC84840 St Cecilia, 15th century (stained glass) by English School, (15th century); Church of St Mary & St Nicholas, Wrangle, Lincolnshire, UK; English, out of copyright

Angels playing musical instruments, detail from a predella panel of an altarpiece
AII86911 Angels playing musical instruments, detail from a predella panel of an altarpiece, Florentine (panel) (detail of 79968) by Italian School, (14th century); Museo Nazionale del Bargello

St Cecilia / Payne / Dolce
SAINT CECILIA Roman saint and martyr, patron saint of musicians, playing a portative organ

Death comes to the Old Man, or the Hermit, from Der Todten Tanz, published Basel
KW278037 Death comes to the Old Man, or the Hermit, from Der Todten Tanz, published Basel, 1843 (litho) by Holbein the Younger

Title page of a music book, 1517.A woman supervises an ensemble of musicians. Date: 1517

St Cecilia / Organ / Anon
SAINT CECILIA Roman saint and martyr, patron saint of musicians, playing a portative organ while a cherub listens

St Cecilia / Delaroche
SAINT CECILIA Roman saint and martyr, patron saint of musicians, playing a portative organ

St Cecilia / Raphael
SAINT CECILIA Roman saint and martyr, patron saint of musicians, carrying a portative organ while angels sing in the clouds above

Roman Martyr & Saint
Saint CECILIA virgin, martyr & musician

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"Portative: A Musical Journey Through Art and Literature" Step into the enchanting world of "portative, " a term that evokes images of music, art, and history. From the medieval epic Sir Gawain and the Green Knight to stained glass depictions of St Cecilia, this caption explores the diverse manifestations in various artistic forms. In William McLaren's rendition of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, we witness a scene where Lady Bertilak captivates her audience with her melodious voice while playing a portative organ. The delicate instrument adds an ethereal touch to her performance, transporting us back in time. Le Vocabulaire Illustre introduces us to another aspect - torches. In an engraving titled "Bewegliche Fackel, " or "Portable Torch, " we see how these portable sources of light were essential for illuminating dark spaces during ancient times. Moving on to stained glass art from the 15th century, we encounter St Cecilia surrounded by angels playing musical instruments. This depiction showcases not only her devotion but also highlights the importance of music as a means to connect with spirituality. The theme continues with Death Comes to the Old Man from Der Todten Tanz. Here, an old man is confronted by death itself while holding what appears to be a small portable organ. This haunting image reminds us that even in our final moments, music can provide solace and transcendence. A glimpse into history takes us further back with a title page from a music book dating back to 1517. This illustration captures both elegance and grandeur as it features St Cecilia alongside an ornate organ—an exquisite portrayal that pays homage to classical compositions. Delaroche's painting presents yet another interpretation of St Cecilia—a solemn figure immersed in prayerful contemplation while clutching her beloved instrument close at hand. The artist skillfully captures both her piety and her passion for music.