Caravaggio's painting The Musicians. also known as "Concert of Youths," is a significant work from the early period of his career. Here are some key points about the painting:

Date and Patronage

The painting is generally dated to around 1595, although some sources suggest it was completed in 1597. It was commissioned by Cardinal Francesco Maria del Monte, who was a pivotal patron for Caravaggio and had a deep interest in music.

Composition and Style

The Musicians depicts four young men in classical attire, three of whom are engaged in playing musical instruments (a lute, a cornetto, and possibly a violin suggested in the foreground), while the fourth figure is dressed as Cupid and reaches for grapes. The composition is characterized by Caravaggio's innovative use of chiaroscuro, which creates a dramatic and intimate setting by contrasting bright light against a dark background.

Allegory and Symbolism

The painting is an allegory that links music to the sustenance of love, much like food sustains life. The presence of Cupid symbolizes love, and the musicians are practicing madrigals that celebrate love, with the lutenist's moist eyes suggesting the sorrow of love.

Figures and Models

The figures in the painting are believed to have been painted from life. The central figure with the lute is often identified as Mario Minniti, a companion of Caravaggio, and the cornetto player is thought to be a self-portrait of the artist. The Cupid bears resemblance to figures in other Caravaggio works, such as "Boy Peeling Fruit."

Innovations and Influence

The Musicians was one of Caravaggio's more complex and ambitious compositions at the time. It broke with traditional concert painting genres by depicting a rehearsal scene rather than a formal concert or pastoral setting. This approach, along with his use of realistic and naturalistic elements, contributed to his pioneering role in the development of Baroque painting.

Condition and Location

The painting was discovered in a private collection in the UK in 1952 and was in poor condition. After restoration, it is now part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Themes

The painting explores themes of music, love, and the artistic process. The classical attire of the musicians elevates the scene, suggesting an inherent nobility in the work of artists. The dreamy expressions and the presence of Cupid further emphasize the connection between music and love.