Artwork
Concert
Concert is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Herman van Aldewereld. It dates from 1652 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1652, *Concert* is an oil painting by the Dutch artist Herman van Aldewereld, who was active in Amsterdam during the mid‑17th century. Though primarily recognized for portraiture, Aldewereld also explored everyday scenes, and this work exemplifies his foray into genre painting. The canvas is part of the collection of the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents an intimate musical gathering in a modest interior.
The composition presents an intimate musical gathering in a modest interior. A woman dressed in a richly embroidered red gown holds a sheet of music and sings, while a man in dark attire leans toward her, his hand resting on her shoulder, suggesting attentive listening. To the left, a young girl in a brown dress watches the performance, her fingers poised on an open book, indicating a shared, perhaps instructional, experience of music.
Technique & Style
Aldewereld employs a pronounced chiaroscuro effect, allowing the illuminated figures to emerge from the surrounding gloom. The contrast between the luminous red dress and the subdued background creates a sense of depth, while the careful rendering of fabric folds and the subtle highlights on the girl’s collar enhance the three‑dimensional impression. The brushwork remains tight in the faces, emphasizing expression, and looser in the surrounding shadows, reinforcing the scene’s intimate atmosphere.
History & Provenance
Born in Amsterdam around 1628‑29, Aldewereld died there in 1669. After its creation, *Concert* entered various private collections before being acquired by the State Hermitage Museum, where it remains on display. The painting’s provenance reflects the broader 19th‑century interest of Russian collectors in Dutch Golden Age works, contributing to the Hermitage’s extensive holdings of Northern European art.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Herman van Aldewereld (1628/29 in Amsterdam – buried 17 July 1669, in Nieuwe Kerk (Amsterdam)), a Dutch painter, was chiefly engaged in painting portraits, generally of celebrated personages, several of which have been engraved.
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Concert