METSU, Gabriel
(b. 1629, Leiden, d. 1667, Amsterdam)

Woman Tuning a Mandolin

1660-65
Oil on wood, 31 x 28 cm
Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence

A proper, prosperous Dutch lady daydreams as she tunes a mandolin; the viewer is invited to complete the story. The child is likely her son, and the making of music is a traditional reference to sexual love.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 12 minutes):
Vivaldi: Concerto in G major for two mandolins and orchestra RV 532