Rijksmuseum

De virginaalspeelster

Date

c. 1637

Medium

panel, oil paint (paint)

Institution

Rijksmuseum

During the 17th century, making music at home was very popular and many wealthy people played a musical instrument. Here, a woman plays a virginal while two children listen attentively. A man is just entering the room. The painting is full of love symbolism: making music was a common metaphor for love, while the chained monkey on the instrument serves as a warning against lust.

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