The Concert
1623 National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About this artwork
This large-scale oil on canvas depicts a vibrant musical gathering with figures playing lutes and a violin around a table with sheet music. It is a quintessential example of the Utrecht Caravaggisti movement, characterized by strong chiaroscuro and lively subjects.
Did you know?
Gerrit van Honthorst, also known as Gherardo delle Notti, was famous for his mastery of nocturnal scenes illuminated by artificial light. His works were highly influential, as they introduced the dramatic tenebrism of Caravaggio to the Dutch Republic after he returned from his studies in Rome. This specific painting illustrates the popular 17th-century fascination with merry company scenes, blending theatricality with technical precision.
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The Concert
Gerrit van Honthorst, 1623
