It is one of approximately ten paintings in the bodegón style that Velázquez executed before 1622, while living in Seville.

In this painting three young men are grouped around a table eating, drinking and playing music, with strong contrasts of light and darkness around the figures.

The light falls from the left, creating sharp shadows and intense highlights.

A loaf of bread on a napkin, a glass of wine, and a piece of cheese with a knife stuck into it give Velázquez the opportunity to study the different textures.

An interesting feature of Three Musicians is the variety of issues raised, such as whether it is a genre representation or whether behind the supposedly everyday scene there are hidden layers of meaning, which can make the picture readable as an allegory, giving it a different interpretation.