Woman Tuning a Mandolin
by METSU, Gabriel, Oil on wood, 31 x 28 cm
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