This gallery is dedicated to the visual representation of musical instruments in art throughout history. It displays how musical instruments are portrayed and focused on by artists in different times and how seemingly relevant musical performance is to the artists and the pieces they have created. This gallery was created by Julian Pacella.
Indian Musicians, Liu Kang, 1972, From the collection of: National Heritage Board, Singapore
This piece displays a group of Indian performers playing music. Portrayed in the piece is a variety of instruments: a keyboard, hand drums, a sitar, and flute. It is clear that these people are happy.
Still Life with Musical Instruments and Books, Bartholomeo Bettera, Mid-17th century, From the collection of: The Israel Museum, Jerusalem
This is an oil painting of several instruments laid out. Shown are a violin and harpsichord. There is a few pieces of manuscript paper amongst the wooden objects.
From the collection of: National Music Museum, University of South Dakota
This is a cello with a beautiful engraved piece upon it. The portrait is seemingly of a noble man with decorative ornamentation and scenery.
Woman Playing a String Instrument, Fausto Zonaro, Early 20th Century, From the collection of: Pera Museum
This is a portrait of a woman playing a lute. The main focus is solely of her and the instrument, clearly demonstrating that her performance is the focus of the piece.
Boy playing the Flute, Judith Leyster, c. 1630s, From the collection of: Nationalmuseum Sweden
This is a painting of a young boy playing a flute. On the wall behind him is another flute and a violin, clearly showing that this boy is multifaceted in his playing.
Guitar and Newspaper, Juan Gris, 1925, From the collection of: Museo Reina Sofia
This is an abstract piece showing a guitar splayed on a table covered in newspaper. It seems to simply be a representation of an everyday scene you would see in someone's home.
The Five Senses, Hearing, GONZALES COQUES, ca. 1650, From the collection of: Brukenthal National Museum
This is a painting of a man playing a violin. His face seems very droll, possibly implying that he plays not for joy but as a means of living; as many musicians were forced to play for nobility.
Alpine Zither, From the collection of: National Music Museum, University of South Dakota
This is a multistrung instrument known as a zither. It is masterfully crafted and inlaid with metals. The multitude of strings makes it clear this instrument is used for distinct ambience.
(Front), From the collection of: The J. Paul Getty Museum
This is a painting of a woman surrounded by cherub-like beings playing instruments. It shows how music is paired with religious icons, representing how important music is to God.
William Beale Wotton, Herbert Arnold Willms, 1890, From the collection of: Royal College of Music
This is a portrait of a man with a woodwind instrument. This piece was clearly commissioned for the man, and he obviously found music to be a very important aspect in his life.
Credits: All media
This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.
