The Musicians 1524

Editor: Right, next up is “The Musicians,” a 1524 engraving by Lucas van Leyden, housed here at the Met. The immediate impression I get is… melancholy. Even though it depicts music-making, the somber expressions and the very linear quality create a contemplative mood. What stands out to you in this piece? Curator: Oh, absolutely melancholy, I get that feeling too. It's fascinating how van Leyden uses the rigidity of engraving to convey such human emotion. You know, to me, it's not just about sadness. Look closely. The details… the way the light catches on their worn clothing, the placement of the discarded shoe… It tells a story of itinerant musicians. Imagine their lives. The precariousness of existence! Is it romantic, tragic, a bit of both perhaps? I love how the everyday lives become worthy subjects. What about their musicality? Is the song joyous or mournful, do you think? Editor: I hadn’t thought about their story being told through their clothes and accessories. Given that, I suppose I read more mournfulness than joy into it – especially with their faces so full of… weary wisdom, maybe? Curator: "Weary wisdom," I like that, yes! The engraving technique certainly heightens it. Consider the context: the Northern Renaissance grappling with societal shifts and humanism bubbling beneath. The engraving itself feels so… permanent yet ephemeral, mirroring our fleeting human existence. Does the title lead us too much or are there many musicians and many types of music? Editor: I hadn’t thought about that… Maybe the “musicians” are more symbolic than literal. Thanks! I’ll certainly ponder the permanence in ephemerality thing on the walk home. Curator: A little artistic puzzle for the day. My pleasure! Maybe our listeners can work it out too!