Musicerende jongeren in een venster 1729 - 1776

Editor: Johann Gottfried Haid’s “Musicerende jongeren in een venster,” or “Musicians in a Window,” made sometime between 1729 and 1776, is quite a lively engraving! There’s almost a raucous, late-night energy radiating from this window scene. What strikes you when you look at it? Curator: Well, first off, the window *isn’t* what strikes me – it's how the artist makes us *feel* like peeking in through one! Haid invites us to share in this intimate moment with these, shall we say, high-spirited youngsters. Can’t you just imagine the boisterous laughter, maybe even a spilled drink or two? It’s almost like sneaking into a private party. Notice how the light from the candles really throws the shapes into sharp relief. What do you think that contrast achieves here? Editor: It creates a really dynamic composition, drawing your eye all over the place. And there is almost a party atmosphere. I can almost hear the music coming out of the window. Curator: Exactly! The Baroque style aimed for drama and movement, which Haid masterfully achieves here, even within the constraints of an engraving. And by using a print, he democratizes access to art; these scenes weren't just for the wealthy elite, anyone could hang one. Who do you think these people could be, and what social class would they represent? Editor: Possibly lower class with how accessible this image would have been in society. It’s nice that an everyday moment like this could be appreciated on a wider scale. I initially looked at this and thought it was really just a bit of silly fun, but now it feels a lot more important! Curator: Precisely, which goes to show you never quite know what’s lurking beneath the surface, ready to poke its head out into the world like these joyful noise-makers!