[Unkown] 

This is an oil on canvas painting of a violinist made by Orazio Gentileschi in the 17th century, during the Baroque period. Consider Gentileschi’s position as a court painter, as he was favored by European aristocracy. The elegant style of the portrait, the details in the musician’s clothing, and the musical instruments at hand indicate a privileged class. In contrast to the divine or heroic subjects often depicted during the Baroque period, Gentileschi here chooses to depict a common musician, thus creating an alternative narrative about artistry and its relation to everyday life. Though he captures the individual likeness and identity of the sitter, Gentileschi infuses the scene with a certain emotional depth, an introspection that transcends mere representation. The musician’s gaze, directed off to the side, invites contemplation about the role of music and the human condition.