The Meeting 1746

"The Meeting" (1746) by Pietro Longhi depicts a scene of intrigue and masked revelry, characteristic of the Venetian artist's genre paintings. The painting, currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases Longhi's mastery in capturing the social interactions and lively atmosphere of 18th-century Venice. The composition features a group of figures in elaborate costumes, their identities concealed by masks, creating a sense of mystery and anticipation as they gather around a seated woman. The scene, set in a grand yet intimate setting, suggests a clandestine encounter, further emphasized by the masked figures and their ambiguous gestures.