Israhel van Meckenem the Younger
German, c. 1440/45-1503
The Organ Player and His Wife
INV-3810
Israhel van Meckenem the Younger
German, c. 1440/45-15031495/1503
The Organ Player and His Wife
Israhel van Meckenem the Younger German, c. 1440/45-1503 →engravingprint
Date
1495/1503
Medium
Engraving on buff laid paper
Dimensions
16.5 × 10.9 cm (6 1/2 × 4 5/16 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
Bequest of Mrs. Potter Palmer, Jr.
Here a couple making music in a comfortable interior is an image of harmony. The wife assists the husband by working the bellows of the portative organ, and her open mouth suggests that he is accompanying her song. This is one of a series of six engravings by Meckenem showing couples engaging in music making, card playing, and other pastimes in domestic settings. The engraver elaborated on the household details with particular care, delineating a curtained bed, a built-in cupboard open to show a basin and covered cup, and an extendable table holding the organ. Above the wife’s head is a convex mirror, which was still a luxury item in 1500.
Also notable
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