The Little Concert

The painting is signed: Pietro Longhi.

A contemporary of the view painters, Pietro Longhi could be called the master of the human landscape. He followed the topography of manners and social custom rather than that of psychology. He did not play the role of judge or moderator, but simply described what he saw with a sharp eye. This painting, set in an interior, shows some French influence, probably stemming from Liotard, who was in Venice in 1745.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 11 minutes): Antonio Vivaldi: Concerto in F major RV 293 op. 8 No. 3 (Autumn)