The Five Senses. Allegory of Hearing 1630

Willem Duyster painted 'The Five Senses. Allegory of Hearing', likely in the early 17th century, with oil on a wood panel. Predominantly composed in muted browns and creams, the figure's placement generates a strong vertical emphasis. This is softened by the circular form of the lute, visually echoed in the sitter's hat and ruff. Duyster has structured this intimate scene around the symbolic representation of hearing. Beyond the surface, we can consider the semiotic codes that structure Dutch genre painting. Here, the lute player isn't merely making music; his performance suggests broader ideas about harmony and social order. The act of hearing, therefore, is an active engagement with the world, reflecting the cultural values of the time. Note the sitter's gaze and the positioning of the lute. The artist invites us to participate in this act of listening, challenging the boundaries between the artwork and its audience.