Artwork
The Itinerant Musician
The Itinerant Musician is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Adriaen van Ostade. It dates from 1647 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Itinerant Musician is a 1647 oil painting by Adriaen van Ostade, a genre scene depicting a musician and children.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows a hurdy-gurdy player surrounded by children, all engaged in the moment, with the musician's downward gaze and the children's upward looks conveying a sense of shared experience.
Technique & Style
The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a warm and deep atmosphere, with the figures emerging from a dark background.
History & Provenance
Created in 1647, The Itinerant Musician is now held at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Artist & collection
Artist
Adriaen van Ostade (baptized as Adriaen Jansz Hendricx 10 December 1610 – buried 2 May 1685) was a Dutch Golden Age painter of genre works, showing the everyday life of ordinary men and women.
