The Choristers c. 1740 - 1745

Alessandro Magnasco captured this scene of "The Choristers" with oil on canvas, a scene imbued with a particular spirit of the Commedia dell'arte. Observe how the exaggerated expressions and gestures of the figures evoke a theatrical quality. The choristers, with their contorted faces and animated movements, engage in what seems to be a somewhat chaotic musical performance. The open musical score, oversized and centrally placed, dominates the composition. Such expressive exaggeration reminds us of similar motifs in ancient Greek theater, where masks and gestures amplified emotions for audiences. This amplification has echoed through time, resurfacing in various forms of dramatic expression, from medieval morality plays to 20th-century expressionism. The subconscious desire to convey heightened emotional states remains a constant, finding new outlets across centuries.