The Sense of Hearing Jan Brueghel The Elder (1568-1625)

Here we observe a lavish interior scene dominated by musical instruments and a central female figure. The composition is structured around a series of arches that frame a distant landscape – a vista of rolling hills and what appears to be a city in the distance. This architectural framework creates a sense of depth, drawing the viewer’s eye outward while simultaneously containing the richness of the foreground elements.
The artist depicted a woman seated on an ornate chair covered with a white fur throw. She is nude, her pose relaxed yet attentive, as if listening intently to the sounds emanating from the surrounding instruments. Her gaze is directed towards the unseen source of the music, suggesting a profound engagement with auditory experience. The placement of a small dog at her feet reinforces this sense of domestic tranquility and companionship.
A profusion of musical paraphernalia fills the space: a cello stands upright, its strings taut; a violin rests on a chair; sheet music is scattered across a table; and an organ looms in the background, partially obscured by a heavy red curtain. These instruments are not merely decorative elements but integral components of the scene’s narrative – they embody the sense being represented. The meticulous rendering of each instrument highlights their craftsmanship and importance within the context of musical creation and appreciation.
The interior is richly adorned with patterned carpets, tapestries depicting mythological scenes, and elaborate furniture. This opulence suggests a setting of considerable wealth and refinement. The presence of still-life elements – a table laden with silver vessels and other objects – further emphasizes this atmosphere of luxury and abundance.
Subtly, the painting explores themes beyond mere representation of sound. The nudity of the female figure could be interpreted as symbolizing vulnerability or openness to sensory experience. The contrast between the enclosed interior space and the expansive landscape outside hints at a tension between inner contemplation and engagement with the external world. The inclusion of mythological imagery in the tapestries might allude to the divine origins of music or its power to evoke profound emotions. Ultimately, the work seems to be an exploration of the relationship between sensory perception, artistic creation, and human experience within a context of privilege and refinement.