LONGHI, Pietro
(b. 1702, Venezia, d. 1785, Venezia)

Music Lesson

1760s
Oil on canvas, 62 x 49 cm
Staatliche Museen, Berlin

In rendering what is ostensibly a music lesson, Longhi depicts the harmonious transaction of desire. As a friar scrutinizes a young lady's budding charms, the painting of satyrs hanging on the wall gives the show away to those who need its telling.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 5 minutes):
Antonio Caldara: Aria from a cantata