Sound 1593 - 1596

"Sound" is an engraving by Dutch artist Jan Saenredam, created between 1593 and 1596. The artwork depicts a woman playing a keyboard instrument while a man plays a lute behind her. The scene is set in a lush forest, with a deer peeking out from the trees. The woman's elaborate ruff and the intricate detailing of the musical instruments highlight the precision and technical skill of Saenredam's engraving. The Latin inscription below the scene, "Ne patulas blandis prebe Syrenibus aures, Que dulei cantus fepe lepore nocent", which translates to "Do not offer your ears to the bland sirens, for their sweet songs often harm with cunning", suggests a deeper meaning to the scene, alluding to the dangers of seduction. The artwork, now housed in the Statens Museum for Kunst in Denmark, is a testament to Saenredam's mastery of the engraving technique and offers a glimpse into the musical and artistic culture of the late 16th century.