Piano was painted by Paul Gavarni in 1853.

Where can I see Piano?

Piano is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Piano?

Piano is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Piano

Paul Gavarni , 1853

Piano is a print by the Impressionist artist Paul Gavarni. It dates from 1853 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1935.12
Credit line: Gift of Leonard C. Hanna Jr.

About this work

The piano itself is not clearly visible, but it appears to be a grand piano based on the shape and size of the keys.

This image is a portrait of a man playing the piano. He is wearing a dark jacket and has short, curly hair. The background is filled with sketches of people, but they are not clearly defined. The overall atmosphere of the image is one of creativity and music.

The man's face is turned to the side, and his eyes are cast downward as he focuses on playing the piano. His hands are positioned on the keys, and his fingers are spread apart to play the notes. The piano itself is not clearly visible, but it appears to be a grand piano based on the shape and size of the keys.

This image is a great example of the work of artist Paul Gavarni (French, 1804–1866).

Overview

Piano, a print by French artist Paul Gavarni, dates to 1853 and is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a man intensely focused on playing a grand piano, surrounded by indistinct sketches of people, conveying an atmosphere of artistic concentration and musical creativity.

Technique & Style

Gavarni's composition emphasizes the pianist's profile and hands on the keys, with loose, suggestive renderings of the background figures and piano, characteristic of his observational style.

History & Provenance

Created in 1853, the work is attributed to Paul Gavarni (1804–1866) and is currently held in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Context

Reflecting mid-19th-century French artistic interests, the piece combines everyday life observation with the emerging middle-class pursuit of music.

Legacy

As part of Gavarni's oeuvre, 'Piano' contributes to the artist's reputation for capturing quotidian moments with a sense of intimacy and creative engagement.