Artwork
Der Geiger (Kopie nach)
Der Geiger (Kopie nach) is an unspecified painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Pietro della Vecchia. It dates from 1640 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1640, *Der Geiger (Kopie nach)* is an oil painting attributed to the Venetian painter Pietro della Vecchia. Executed during the transition from late Mannerism to early Baroque, the work exemplifies the artist’s capacity to move between religious commissions, portraiture, and genre scenes. It is presently part of the collection of the Alte Pinakothek in Munich.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas presents a youthful figure clutching a violin, dressed in a light‑coloured, ruffled shirt and a dark hat adorned with white plumes. The solitary pose and muted backdrop suggest an intimate study of a musician, emphasizing the personal engagement with music rather than a narrative scene.
Technique & Style
Della Vecchia employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, allowing the illuminated face and hands to emerge from a deep, uniform background. The contrast of light and shadow creates a three‑dimensional effect, a hallmark of early Baroque portraiture, while the brushwork remains refined, highlighting the textures of fabric and feathered hat.
History & Provenance
The painting entered the Alte Pinakothek’s holdings in the 19th century, where it has been catalogued as a representative example of the artist’s early Baroque portraiture. Pietro della Vecchia, besides his painting practice, was also active as a restorer and connoisseur, roles that informed his approach to composition and material handling.
Artist & collection
Artist
Pietro della Vecchia, Pietro della Vècchia or Pietro Vècchia, formerly incorrectly called Pietro Muttoni (1603 – 8 September 1678) was a versatile Venetian artist between late Mannerism and early Baroque, who worked in…
Bildnis eines jungen Mannes
Ein junger Mann (Werkstatt)
Bildnis eines jungen Mannes
Das Liebespaar (Werkstatt)
El tañedor de viola
Head of a Young Man in Profile with a Gun over His Shoulder
Bildnis eines Jünglings mit Mandoline
Violin Player
Violin Player
Young Man with a bow
Portrait of Baccio Bandinelli
Beatrice Cenci