The Organ Player and His Wife 1495 - 1503

"The Organ Player and His Wife" is a 16th century engraving by the German artist Israhel van Meckenem. The print depicts a man playing a small organ while his wife sits beside him, with a dog at their feet. The scene is set in a domestic interior, with a window overlooking a bedroom in the background. The work is a fine example of the graphic art of the Northern Renaissance, notable for its detailed depiction of everyday life and its subtle use of light and shadow. Van Meckenem was known for his skilled use of the engraving technique, creating realistic and detailed images. This work can be found at The Art Institute of Chicago.