The Concert
by BIJLERT, Jan van, Oil on canvas
Dutch painter, who studied with Abraham Bloemaert then left for Italy in 1621. He returned to Utrecht, his native city, from Italy by 1624. He arrived as a confirmed Caravaggist relying heavily on the Italian master’s strong chiaroscuro effects, but by the early thirties, like most Utrecht painters, he adopted a classical manner and a lighter palette.
Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 10 minutes):
Claudio Monteverdi: Charming Angioletta, madrigal