This vivid work from 1623 by Gerard van Honthorst was evidently inspired by the style of the Italian baroque artist Michelangelo da Caravaggio (1571-1610). Caravaggio’s influence is recognizable in its realism, vitality and chiaroscuro (dramatic light-dark contrasts). This comes as no surprise, knowing that Van Honthorst (1592–1656) had returned some years before from a long stay in Italy, where he got acquainted with the new revolutionary style.
But the painting also contains an element more typical for the North-European tradition: a passionate attempt to create illusion of depth. With various means, Van Honthorst tried to escape the limitations of two-dimensional space. He suggested depth by placing the half-length figure behind a window or framework. The space behind the cheerful musician is somewhat unclear, but he seems to appear from a niche, revealing himself to us by pushing aside the heavy, Persian carpet. His extended arm with the glass of wine seems to break away from the picture area, entering ours and inviting us to listen to his violin play and celebrate with him.
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