The Choristers

The Choristers, a painting by Alessandro Magnasco, dated 1740. It is housed in the National Gallery of Art. The painting measures 0.545 meters in width and 0.68 meters in height.

The artwork depicts a lively scene in what appears to be a dimly lit, arched hall or cloister. Several figures, possibly choristers, are gathered around a large open music book or score resting on a stand. The figures are dressed in various styles of clothing, some appearing more formal than others. The overall style is Baroque, characterized by dramatic lighting, loose brushstrokes, and a focus on movement and emotion. The figures are rendered with a sense of immediacy and spontaneity, typical of Magnasco's style. The background is dark and somewhat indistinct, drawing attention to the central group of figures. The overall mood is one of animated discussion or rehearsal.