Northern Italian school; circa 1700. "Musical evening". Oil on canvas. Relined.

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OLD MASTERS

By Setdart Auction House

Oct 20, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-10-20 07:30:00 2021-10-20 07:30:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : OLD MASTERS https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/setdart-auction-house/old-masters-7700
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• Lot Description
  Northern Italian school; circa 1700. "Musical evening". Oil on canvas. Relined. It has repainting and missing edges. It has damages caused by humidity. Size: 92 x 137 cm. The painting has an old extension located in the right area. The canvas shows a conversation, or rather an evening, between a group of people of different genders and ages, which may well represent a mother with her children and father. Inscribed in a neutral background of ochre tones, we can appreciate in the foreground the figures of the children on the right and the woman on the left. In the background, and portrayed with less precision, we can observe the presence of an adult male character, who holds a violin in his hands, directing the bow of the instrument towards the center of the composition. There is a table with an open book, showing sheet music. The active attitude of this person, who indicates to others what to do, invites the viewer to reflect on the relationship of the characters portrayed, questioning whether it is an exercise of pleasure, or a work activity. However, the woman's attire defines this question, since we can appreciate a large feather headdress, from which hang three pearls, as well as satin ornaments and other luxurious fabrics. The lady, who seems to be singing while holding a guitar, directs her gaze directly to the viewer, making him a participant in the scene, as well as the child who is located in the right area of the composition. This type of representation in which a group of people gathered around a table, although it is not this specific case, to chat and discuss, had a great reception as it reflected the customs of the evenings held by the upper class of the time. In this work the family representation linked to musical instruments, indicates the high position of the family, since only the upper classes could access to musical education. Which was highly valued, especially in the training of women of the time. It is worth mentioning that this painting reflects in its subject matter the tradition of paintings of modern moral customs, in which, on many occasions, the author mocked and showed in a satirical way the customs of the time.
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