Explore the Historical Context of this artwork, The Musicians (Caravaggio).
Scenes showing musicians were a popular theme at the time—the Church was supporting a revival of music and new styles and forms were being tried, especially by educated and progressive prelates such as Del Monte. This scene, however, is clearly secular rather than religious, and harks back to the long-established tradition of "concert" pictures, a genre originating in Venice and exemplified in its earlier form by Titian's Le concert champêtre.This painting falls into the period of Baroque art, which had a rich relationship with theater and music. Music and concerts became entertainment for people belonging to upper classes, like the aristocracy or people who held a high position or rank. Going to the opera or being able to view a live concert was very popular during the Baroque Period.
The notion that experiencing various moods through music can promote emotional stability and overall well-being was widely held at this time. This is important in the painting; the mood and emotions conveyed on the face of the centered figure speaks largely to the importance of Baroque music. The rendering of instruments in the piece and the music sheets displayed are indicators of Caravaggio's ability to depict the important changes taking place within music and Cardinal del Monte's love for the emotion in Baroque music.The importance of music was vital and created a pathway for Caravaggio to navigate Baroque music with the help of del Monte. Music proved to be important to both artist and patron when it came to artistic rendering due to the movement ability to showcase the patrons wealth and interests when he hosted visitors in his home. When visitors saw this painting or others including The Lute Player, it would speak largely to the Cardinal's taste, wealth and interests. This also bolstered Caravaggio in the genre of paintings of music and benefited his career.
Titian Venice Cardinal del Monte's aristocracy Baroque Baroque Period Caravaggio Le concert champêtre The Lute Player opera Baroque music Lute Titian's Baroque art