Is the painting by Giorgiorne or by Titien ? It is difficult to distinguish the work of Giorgione (who died in 1510 at the age of 33) from the early works of Titien (who, for his part died in 1576 at a great age). The Rural Concert which for a long time was attributed to the former is now more willingly attributed to the latter. Analysis of the style, scientific analyses may allow for the hand of one or the other. The mysteries of the scene have done more for the fame of the painting than its uncertain authorship. Why these two naked women beside the two clothed men ? What is the meaning of their gestures ? What music are they playing ? Why that landscape and that flock of sheep ? In order to understand the story and its allusions one must penetrate the learned culture of Venice at the beginning of the 16th century. And also perhaps to compare it with the somewhat contradictory interpretations which modern painters have given such as Manet with his Partie de campagne.
