Musica was painted by Sebald Beham in 1535.

Where can I see Musica?

Musica is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Can I buy a print of Musica?

Museum-quality prints of Musica are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Musica

Sebald Beham , 1535

Musica is a print by Sebald Beham. It dates from 1535 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1975.256
Credit line: Bequest of Walter Blodgett

About this work

This small print shows a crowded room where people play music. Instruments crowd the scene, a lute, a recorder, a hurdy-gurdy. A woman sings while others clap along.

Beham made many such scenes. He cut tiny wood engravings for books, so thousands saw these images. This one feels like a snapshot of a party.

Look up Hans Sebald Beham (German, 1500–1550) next.

Overview

Musica is a small engraving created by Hans Sebald Beham around 1535. It is a characteristic example of the artist's intricate and detailed work.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a lively scene of people making music together. Various instruments are shown, including a lute, recorder, and hurdy-gurdy, with a woman singing and others clapping along.

Technique & Style

Beham's engraving showcases his skill in creating detailed, miniature compositions. As one of the 'Little Masters,' he was known for his small-scale engravings and woodcuts, which were often used to illustrate books.

Context

Beham worked within the German printmaking tradition, following in the footsteps of Albrecht Dürer. His work was widely disseminated through book illustrations, making his images accessible to a broad audience.