Gehoor 1628 - 1689

Willem Peeters created this image entitled 'Gehoor,' or 'Hearing,' using engraving techniques. Note the gathering of figures, deeply engaged in musical performance, filling the space with harmonious sound. Music, as depicted here, transcends mere auditory sensation; it embodies a profound emotional and psychological resonance. Think of Orpheus, whose lyre could charm even the gods, or the sirens of the Odyssey, whose songs lured sailors to their doom. The power of music echoes through art history. Consider, too, how gestures associated with musical performance have evolved. The raised hand of a conductor, for example, seen in depictions from ancient Greece to modern orchestras, signifies control and command over the auditory experience. In this print, a figure raises his hand to signal those around him. Music touches us on a subconscious level, evoking memories and stirring emotions that lie deep within our collective psyche. As this print reveals, the cyclical progression of music ensures its survival and evolution across time.