Copy of the drawing Kreutzersonate of Lionello Balestieri, picture collection of Ernst Loops

This picture from around the same time illustrates the impact of Beethoven’s music. A house concert is taking place in a plainly furnished room. The people are listening with deeply moved and rapt attention to the performance of Beethoven’s Kreutzer Sonata, the Violin Sonata No. 9, Op. 47.
The original was a large-format painting. The bright empty surface in the foreground seems to be inviting the viewer to become one of the listeners. The picture was very popular and went on tour throughout Europe. Its fame was further spread by means of the numerous prints that were made of it.