Artwork
musical party
musical party is an oil painting. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the National Library of Wales.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
5 × 47 cm, entered the National Library of Wales collection through a 1933 bequest and remains part of its framed works of art.
The work titled A Musical Party, painted in 1890 by an artist of the British School, shows a domestic concert scene centered on a group of figures gathered around music sheets, a violin, a clarinet, and a brass instrument, while a child, dog, wine bottle, and quill appear as secondary details. The composition conveys a light-hearted celebration of leisure and sociability typical of late-Victorian domestic life. The painting, executed in oil on canvas and measuring 58.5 × 47 cm, entered the National Library of Wales collection through a 1933 bequest and remains part of its framed works of art.
Technique & Style
The work is painted in oil on canvas and measures 58.5 cm in height by 47 cm in width. The scene depicts a domestic concert setting with a violin and clarinet among other instruments and objects, rendered in a naturalistic style. Handling is smooth and blended, with careful attention to the textures of fabrics and reflective surfaces.
The palette is subdued, emphasizing earth tones and muted highlights, consistent with the lighting of an interior musical gathering. The composition centers on the seated figure playing the violin, framed by surrounding participants and furniture. The painting's condition is not described in detail by the sources.
History & Provenance
A Musical Party was created in 1890 by an artist identified as the British School. Executed in oil on canvas, the work measures 58.5 cm in height by 47 cm in width. It is held by the National Library of Wales, where it forms part of the institution's Framed Works of Art collection under the accession number PD06730.
It entered the library's holdings in 1933, bequeathed by Dr Hywel Rees. It is catalogued as a concert scene, with the main subject identified as a musical gathering.
Overview
This oil painting, titled "Musical Party," captures a domestic scene where four children are engaged in making music. Set within a warmly lit interior, the artwork portrays a moment of shared artistic activity, observed by an adult figure and a quiet dog. The composition emphasizes a sense of intimacy and focused concentration among the young musicians.
Artist & collection
