The Sense of Hearing 1500 - 1600

Joseph Heintz the Elder captured “The Sense of Hearing” with pen and brown ink on paper. At center, the figure of “Hearing” is depicted with musical instruments like lutes, horns, and a trumpet. Notice the presence of Mercury, identified by his caduceus, his arm lifted, guiding the appreciation of sound. The grouping of cherubic figures mimics a choir, emphasizing the communal and celestial aspects of music. Consider how in antiquity, Mercury, as Hermes, was not only the messenger of the gods but also the patron of music and eloquence. This connection reminds us of the power of sound to traverse boundaries, physical and metaphysical. We may recall how Orpheus, with his lyre, could charm even the stones, demonstrating the power of music to alter reality itself. This symbolic lineage reveals a profound understanding of how deeply human emotions are intertwined with our perception of sound, resonating within us, shaping our subconscious, and enriching our collective memory. This drawing is not merely an illustration of an allegory, but a rediscovery of the ancient connections between divinity, sound, and the human spirit.