Ein Klavierstück 1784

This monochrome drawing, "Ein Klavierstück", was made by C. F. Selke and now resides in the Städel Museum. It depicts a woman playing the harpsichord while a man stands beside her and another man with a guitar enters the room. This kind of domestic musical scene was popular in the Dutch Golden Age as it reflects the cultural values of the time. Music played a significant role in social gatherings and private entertainment, especially among the wealthy merchant class. The harpsichord was a symbol of refinement and education, and musical proficiency was considered a desirable attribute for both men and women. The placement of figures within a domestic space also speaks to a sense of controlled harmony that prevailed in Dutch society. To better understand its social and institutional context, researchers might consult period music books, domestic inventories, and etiquette manuals. Such an approach emphasizes that the meanings of art are always contingent on the social circumstances of its making.