Abraham Bloemaert: The Flute Player

The Flute Player: Abraham Bloemaert

Abraham Bloemaert was a Dutch painter and engraver, labeled a member of the Haarlem Mannerists, he painted The Flute Player in 1621. Later in his life, his style evolved from Mannerism to Baroque and in this picture, we see his meticulous concern with the effects of texture in a strong light that comes from outside the picture space to the left.

In a moment of repose from playing the player looks out at us inquiringly or rapt in fascination. Perhaps he is listening to another player or singer. Broemaert clearly delights in the details of flesh, fabric, and feathered cap that the strong or chiaroscuro lighting affords.

Abraham Bloemaert’s The Flute Player is in the Centraal Museum in Utrecht, Central Netherlands.

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