The Lute Player

This painting shows the artist's close contact with the world of Venetian art, and in particular with the work of Bartolomeo Veneto. Here Raphaelesque style mingles with these Venetian influences, leading scholars to place the painting among the artist's mature works. It is dated to 1510, chronologically situating it before Solario's Woman with Book (private collection) and after the painter's return from his sojourn in France. The hair style of the woman, especially the "capigliara" - a particular way of arranging the hair in a net - was made fashionable by Isabella d'Este.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 2 minutes): Francesco da Milano: Tre fantasie for lute