The Mystery of Musical Company
Rembrandt’s traces can be followed by details of the Musical Company, 1626. the old woman is his mother’s silhouette, and the young man who plays an instrument is his own composition. But, this art piece’s subject is still controversial and unknown.
Let’s interrupt this painting to reveal its secrets.
Ritual or Seduction?
Some say this beautiful scene represents an admonition to praise God by music, and some say it is a dangerous seduction view.
Which is true?
The first thing that gathered attention in this painting is the red lips and shoes of the young woman in the center of the painting. We can easily see that she is the main subject of the scene. She is young, beautiful, and as we can understand from her colorful cheeks, she is also healthy. She was tastefully dressed; is it a representation of wealth, or is its representation of an imitation? Is she a symbol of purity that is dedicated to God while praising the Lord with songs, or is she a symbol of seductive sins witnessed by young Rembrandt?
When we evaluate the background of the painting, we can see two figures who are already identified as Rembrandt himself and his mother. They are hesitantly taking part in the painting, Rembrandt’s eyes are questioning the scene as well, and his mother is watching the scene with curiosity and interest. She remains in shadows; we can almost say she is hiding, maybe because she is shamed or because she is humble?
There is a fourth figure in the painting, and I think he is the most interesting one. He is watching the young woman and playing his instrument. Also, he got the old woman’s attention. He looks excited or nervous. He may be touched by the young woman’s voice and dedication, or he might be affected and waiting for an opportunity for seduction.
As mentioned before, this scene can be evaluated as a pray, or it can be assessed as a sin. Moreover, it is a real art piece in terms of technique and style. I believe this is the great beauty of art, it can be concluded according to its audience, and it has secrets and mysteries that are increasing the painting’s influences and make it lasts.
References
Courtesy of Rijksmuseum. Retrieved from: https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/collection/SK-A-4674
