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The Duet
  • TitleThe Duet
  • Technique/ MaterialOil on canvas
  • DimensionsDimensions: (h x b) 45 x 41 cm
    Frame: (h x b x dj) 74 x 65 x 13 cm
  • DatingSigned 1663
  • Artist/Maker Artist: Cornelis Pietersz Bega, Dutch, born 1631 or 1632, born 1631 or 1632, dead 1664
  • CategoryPaintings, Paintings
  • Inventory No.NM 310
  • AcquisitionTransferred 1865 Kongl. Museum
  • ExhibitedNationalmuseum, Room 1662 17th century
  • Description
    Literature
    Artist/Maker
    Images and media

    A young woman sings a duet with an older male violinist, while plucking the strings of her lute. She is draped in expensive silks, while the man wears the simpler dress of the lower classes. An image of mutual love and harmony? The traditionally negative associations of ill-matched couples to folly and lust seem to indicate a different meaning - the seductive influence of music on our senses could also lead to unrestrained sexuality.