Die Zitherspielerin 1909

Franz von Defregger painted this scene of a zither player with oil on canvas. The artist skillfully applies paint to mimic the textures of clothing and the instrument, bringing the scene to life. The zither itself, meticulously rendered, showcases Defregger's attention to the details of craftsmanship. Consider the labor-intensive process of creating such an instrument, from selecting the wood to shaping and assembling the delicate components, tuning the strings to achieve harmonious sound. In contrast to the detailed zither, the children's clothing is painted with loose brushstrokes that evoke a sense of movement and spontaneity. The clothing signifies a traditional way of life, and perhaps represents a sense of cultural pride. Looking closely at the materials and the work that went into both the zither and the children’s clothing, we can appreciate how Defregger elevates everyday objects and moments to the level of fine art.