Artwork
A Young Man Playing a Psalterium
A Young Man Playing a Psalterium is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Christoffel van Sichem I. It dates from 1600 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Christoffel van Sichem I’s woodcut, dated around 1600, portrays a young man engaged with a psalterium, a plucked string instrument. Executed on laid paper, the print is part of the National Gallery of Art’s collection in Washington, offering a compact glimpse of early‑17th‑century printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure, attired in typical Renaissance garb—a hat, cloak, and formal posture—concentrates on his music, suggesting a focus on artistic discipline. Two women observe him from the background, one holding a mask, hinting at themes of performance, perhaps alluding to the interplay between music and theatrical masquerade.
Technique & Style
The work exemplifies the fine line work characteristic of Dutch woodcut practice, with careful hatching that renders the folds of clothing, the texture of the column, and the delicate details of the instrument. The use of laid paper provides a subtle tonal variation that enhances the depth of the architectural setting.
Context
Printed during the transition from the Renaissance to the early Baroque, the image reflects contemporary interest in classical architecture and the revival of ancient musical instruments. The inclusion of a mask aligns with the period’s fascination with courtly entertainments and the symbolic role of disguise in art.
Legacy
Van Sichem’s print contributes to the broader corpus of Northern European prints that disseminated Renaissance aesthetics across Europe. Its preservation in a major museum underscores the enduring scholarly interest in the intersection of music, costume, and print culture of the early 1600s.
Artist & collection
