The Jealousy of Darnley

About this work

This painting shows five people in fancy old-time clothes. A man in a big feathered hat stands with his hand on his hip. A woman in a blue dress kneels by a small harpsichord, while a child and another person play music. In the background, two more people watch, dressed in bright red and gold. The room has dark walls and a patterned floor. The woman’s pose looks tense, like she’s waiting for something. The harpsichord is small and detailed, showing how music was part of daily life back then. If you like this scene, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more paintings like it.