On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01395
- Author
- Brueghel “the Elder”, Jan (Flemish), Reubens, Peter Paul (Flemish)
- Title
- Hearing
- Chronology
- 1617
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 65 cm x 107 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCIONREAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
This set of paintings on the five
senses was one of the most
successful collaborations of Peter
Paul Reubens and Jan Brueghel “the
elder.”
Reubens placed his figures in the
magnificent courtly scenes created
by Brueghel as settings for these
allegories of the senses, resulting
in a series of enormous quality and
esthetic appeal. The subject was
widely employed in Flemish
painting.
Music, which is perceived through
hearing, is the protagonist of this
composition. Venus plays the lyre
and sings, accompanied by a cupid.
The stag at her side symbolizes
hearing, as it love music so much
that it lies down to listen.
On the pavement in the foreground
is a rich still life of musical
instruments and scores, on the
left; and hunting calls, on the
right.
The symbolism of hearing is
strengthened by the pictorial
representations that adorn the
room's walls: Concert of the Muses,
Orpheus Taming the Wild Beasts with
Music, The Annunciation and
Announcement to the Shepherds, on
the top of the clavichord.
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