The artwork, “Musicians,” was created by the esteemed artist Caravaggio around the year 1595. Executed in oil on canvas, the painting measures 87.9 by 115.9 centimeters and belongs to the genre of both Baroque and Tenebrism art movements. Currently, the artwork is part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, New York, United States, and is classified as a genre painting.
The artwork depicts four young men absorbed in the act of making music. Caravaggio’s characteristic use of dramatic lighting, a hallmark of the Tenebrism movement, is evident in the sharp contrasts between light and shadow that lend a three-dimensional effect to the figures. One of the musicians, centrally positioned, gazes outward while holding a lute, his gaze engaging the viewer directly. His companions, engrossed in their musical activities, include one figure fiddling with a wind instrument and two others studying musical scores. The realistic portrayal and intricate attention to details such as the texture of the lute, the folds in the garments, and the various expressions contribute to the lifelike representation of this harmonious scene. This masterpiece exemplifies Caravaggio’s skill in blending naturalism with emotional depth to create a rich, immersive visual experience.
