Portrait Of Guusje Van Dongen Door 1916

Isaac Israels painted this portrait of Guusje van Dongen, capturing her holding a lute, a symbol of harmony and contemplation. It’s a visual echo that resonates across centuries. Think of the ancient Greek lyre, the instrument of Apollo, god of music and healing, or David with his harp. The lute here embodies more than musicality; it hints at a deeper, emotional harmony. The lute's presence isn't merely decorative. It’s a symbol imbued with collective memory, suggesting inner emotional states. The way van Dongen holds the lute, almost protectively, can evoke a sense of nostalgia or longing. Notice, too, how the symbolism is never static. Over time the meaning of instruments has shifted, reflecting cultural changes. Yet, the emotional core remains, a powerful undercurrent in our collective consciousness. Just as Orpheus moved stones with his music, so too does this image stir something primal within us.