[2] Cardinal Del Monte owned various expensive musical instruments, which Caravaggio could use as models in his works for the wealthy patron.

[2] Cardinal del Monte's impact on Caravaggio's artistic career during its early stages has been heavily studied due to his significant involvement as a supporter.

[2] Del Monte's strong enthusiasm for music was viewed as a vital aspect of education for Renaissance individuals of high social status.

[2] The impact of del Monte's commissions would create an outlet for Caravaggio to gain first-hand experience in scenes often meant for the aristocracy to enjoy.

Giving Caravaggio this perspective provided an accurate source for rendering and capturing the moods and emotions attached to the baroque movement and music.

The picture displays four boys in classical costume (Greek or Roman robes): three figures playing various musical instruments or singing and the fourth dressed as Cupid and reaching towards some grapes.

[4] The painting was in poor condition, and the music in the manuscript has been badly damaged by past restorations, although a tenor and an alto part can be made out.

[10] The central figure with the lute has been identified as Caravaggio's companion Mario Minniti, and the individual next to him and facing the viewer is possibly a self-portrait of the artist.

[10] The depictions he created from live models maintained the unique features of each individual even when portraying characters from biblical or mythological stories.

[11] Scenes showing musicians were a popular theme at the time—the Church was supporting a revival of music and new styles and forms were being tried, especially by educated and progressive prelates such as Del Monte.

[14] Their research also explored the x-rays taken of Del Monte's version, which revealed Caravaggio had painted over an original scene that is described as an incident between the musicians.

[14] The project also included an installation created by the artists that displayed their research and resources such as x-rays, monographs and records related to the restoration of the painting.

[14] During the COVID-19 pandemic, the museum began a skylight replacement project that resulted in gallery closures, in response the Met loaned major works from the European collection, including 'The Musicians', to Qagoma in an exhibition titled 'European Masterpieces'.