Netherlands / 1663
Portrait of a Family Playing Music
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Portrait of a Family Playing Music as painting (Netherlands · 1663).
During this period, the Dutch Republic was the richest, most urbanized nation.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as oil on canvas and credits Pieter de Hooch (Dutch, 1629–1684).
The museum's collection notes: The identity of the sitters remains unknown, although the marble floor and mantelpiece, the Transylvanian prayer rug on the table, and the silk clothes all point to the family’s considerable wealth. Furthermore, the richly carved chest at the right supports Chinese vases and Japanese lacquered boxes, a reference to the flourishing Dutch trade with Asia. Music making often took place at home, and its appearance here also signifies the harmoniousness of the family.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtPortrait of a Family Playing MusicOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.