17th-Century Genre Painting Now on Display at the Getty
The J. Paul Getty Museum has expanded its collection with the acquisition of A Drinking and Musical Party, a vibrant 17th-century genre painting by Italian artist Bartolomeo Manfredi, from a private collector. On Tuesday, April 23, the painting made its debut at the Getty Center in the East Pavilion, captivating visitors with its lively depiction of a jovial gathering.
A Drinking and Musical Party portrays seven young men gathered around a table, indulging in food, drink, and music. An elegantly attired man strums a lute in the bottom left corner, entertaining the group amidst their revelry with wine. However, amidst the merriment, Manfredi injects an air of tension with two servants in the background caught in acts of theft and a bearded man whose exposed sword hints at potential conflict. Even the knife on the table ominously points towards the viewer, suggesting the scene’s volatility.
According to Getty’s press release, the painting is considered one of Manfredi’s masterpieces, and it is distinguished by its rich palette and dramatic chiaroscuro contrasts.
Trained in northern Italy, Manfredi later moved to Rome, where he became deeply influenced by the work of Italian painter Caravaggio. Recognized as one of Caravaggio’s most devoted followers, Manfredi’s emulation of Caravaggio’s style, particularly his use of light and shadow, led to confusion between their works for decades after Manfredi’s death. A Drinking and Musical Party itself was initially attributed to Caravaggio until Manfredi’s rediscovery in the 20th century.
Davide Gasparotto, senior curator of paintings at the Getty Museum, talked about Manfredi’s significant contribution to the Caravaggesque movement in the press statement. “Although Manfredi was not a direct pupil of Caravaggio, his realistic depictions of genre scenes played a crucial role in the European success of the Caravaggesque style,” Gasparotto remarked. “The addition of A Drinking and Musical Party to our collection is a significant achievement, allowing us to showcase a painting that enjoyed immense popularity in 17th-century Europe.”
The acquisition of A Drinking and Musical Party enriches the Getty’s collection of Caravaggisti artworks, joining notable pieces such as Valentin de Boulogne’s Christ and the Adulteress, Bartolomeo Cavarozzi’s The Supper at Emmaus, and Gerrit van Honthorst’s Christ Crowned with Thorns.
