A Man playing a Lute
- Artist: Hendrick ter Brugghen
- Date: 1624
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is "A Man playing a Lute" by Hendrick ter Brugghen. Painted in 1624, it's an oil on canvas work that showcases the artist's focus on dramatic lighting and detail. Notice how the folds under the man's eyes are highlighted, as well as the long shadows of his fingers and his shiny red nose - which may be a nod to his love of wine.
Ter Brugghen was part of a group of painters known as the 'Dutch Caravaggists', who were heavily influenced by the style of Caravaggio. You can see this influence in the strong, dramatic lighting effects used here. However, ter Brugghen has also developed his own distinctive style - look at the loose brushstrokes he's used to depict the ostrich feather in the hat.
The subject matter itself is not new, but it was certainly popular among the Dutch Caravaggists. Ter Brugghen and his fellow painters focused on the relationship between musician and instrument, rather than adding extraneous details like flowers or violins. And while ter Brugghen's observation may be acute, he's also not afraid to add a touch of humour - that shiny red nose is quite something!
See it in person
A Man playing a Lute hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
