Artwork
The Concert
The Concert is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Gerard ter Borch. It dates from 1675 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
About this work
The Concert is a painting by Gerard ter Borch.
It was created around 1673-1675, which is interesting because it shows the artist's work during that time period. The fact that it's an oil on panel painting is also notable, as it gives us insight into the materials used.
You can learn more about this style by looking up Gerard ter Borch.
Overview
Gerard ter Borch’s painting titled The Concert dates from the mid‑1670s, approximately 1673–1675. Executed in oil on a wooden panel, the work measures a modest size typical of domestic genre scenes of the Dutch Golden Age. It is part of the collection of the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin, where it is displayed among other 17th‑century Dutch paintings.
Technique & Style
The artist employs a restrained palette and delicate handling of light, hallmarks of ter Borch’s mature period. The oil medium allows for fine gradations of tone, especially in the rendering of fabrics and the subtle reflections on musical instruments. Brushwork is smooth and controlled, contributing to the intimate atmosphere of the interior setting.
History & Provenance
After its creation, the painting entered private collections before being acquired by the Berlin Gemäldegalerie in the early 20th century. Documentation traces its ownership through several Dutch and German dealers, confirming its attribution to ter Borch and its consistent presence in the European art market since the 18th century.
Context
The Concert reflects the Dutch fascination with music as a symbol of harmony and social interaction in the 17th century. Ter Borch often depicted genteel interiors where figures engage in cultured pastimes, aligning the work with contemporary genre conventions that emphasized moralizing themes through everyday scenes.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Gerard ter Borch (Dutch: ; December 1617 – 8 December 1681), also known as Gerard Terburg (Dutch: ), was a Dutch Golden Age painter mainly of genre subjects.
