A Player with a Hermit

The forest seclusion and the appealing life of the hermit, the quiet of the trees and the retreat into a simple life close to nature were the expression of a new attitude to life. What Schwind painted here is the longing of the Biedermeier period for happiness in simple surroundings and for a calm that had long vanished in pre-industrial urban society. In his contemplative life committed to God, the pious hermit seemed to be manifesting a kind of religious feeling that was ideal because it was “private”. The musicians feels at home here too, before setting off once more for the bustle of the towns.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 10 minutes):

Antonio Vivaldi: Concerto for recorder in A minor