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Musicha (Music)

Master of the E-Series Tarocchi

1465

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance

Dominant colour

Musicha (Music) is a 1465 ink by Master of the E-Series Tarocchi, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Master of the E-Series Tarocchi
When & what style?: 1465 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This image shows a woman sitting barefoot on a low stool, playing a flute. Behind her, a swan rests its head on her shoulder, almost like a pet. She wears a loose, draped dress and holds the flute with both hands, her hair tied back loosely. On the floor beside her is a small basket and a round plate. The swan’s calm presence next to her suggests a peaceful scene, though the exact story isn’t clear. The lines in the print are sharp and detailed, giving it a textured look. Try looking up engraving to see how artists like this one used metal plates to create intricate prints.