Godfried Schalcken – A Woman singing and a Man with a Cittern Part 3 National Gallery UK

The composition presents two figures within a dimly lit interior space. A woman seated on a chair occupies the left portion of the canvas, while a man is positioned beside her, slightly angled towards the viewer. The woman appears to be singing; her mouth is open in what seems like vocalization, and her gaze is directed upwards, suggesting concentration or emotional engagement with the music. She wears an elaborate dark green dress adorned with lace at the collar and cuffs, indicative of a certain social standing. Her hair is styled into fashionable curls, typical for the period.
The man accompanies her on a cittern, a stringed instrument resembling a lute. His posture suggests attentiveness to his playing; he looks down at the instrument, his fingers poised over the strings. He is dressed in dark clothing with a lighter-colored shirt visible at the collar and cuffs. The overall impression is one of quiet intimacy and shared artistic endeavor.
The artist has employed a dramatic use of chiaroscuro – a stark contrast between light and shadow – to create an atmosphere of mystery and focus attention on the figures. A single, unseen light source illuminates their faces and upper bodies, leaving much of the background shrouded in darkness. This technique not only enhances the visual drama but also contributes to a sense of psychological depth. The dark backdrop, partially obscured by heavy drapery, isolates the pair, emphasizing their connection and creating an almost theatrical stage-like setting.
The richly patterned rug beneath them introduces a note of luxury and domestic comfort. It provides a vibrant counterpoint to the somber tones of the clothing and background. The details in the woman’s dress and the mans instrument suggest a certain level of affluence, hinting at their social context.
Beyond the surface depiction of musical performance, subtexts relating to themes of leisure, refinement, and perhaps even melancholy are present. The subdued lighting and introspective expressions of the figures evoke a sense of quiet contemplation rather than exuberant celebration. It is possible that the scene alludes to the transient nature of beauty and pleasure, a common theme in art from this period. The darkness enveloping them could symbolize the uncertainties or sorrows inherent in human existence, while the music offers a temporary solace.