A Group of Men and Women Playing Chamber Music Within a Portico, Surmounted by Statues of Apollo and Female Figures, and Surrounded by Putti 1652

Jan de Bray's "A Group of Men and Women Playing Chamber Music Within a Portico, Surmounted by Statues of Apollo and Female Figures, and Surrounded by Putti," a drawing from 1652, depicts a scene of musical entertainment within a classical portico. The central group of musicians is surrounded by cherubic figures, with statues of Apollo and other female figures adorning the top of the structure. This piece exemplifies de Bray's mastery of composition and draftsmanship, portraying a harmonious and elegant depiction of music and classical inspiration. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, houses this intricate drawing that showcases the artist's skill in conveying both the lively energy of the musical performance and the serene beauty of the architectural setting.