Playing in Parts
Gillray makes fun here of a concert performed by amateur, centering his image on a young woman who energetically thumps a keyboard, accompanied by four men–a gouty cellist, a sawing violinist and two flutists. Attendees pay little attention to the music, since a young girl takes the opportunity to flirt with an officer at left and more military men at right shake hands, one bowing so low that his sword lifts the shirts a large lady behind him. Trenchant commentary is offered by a small dog that places a paw on a music book and howls.
Artwork Details
- Title: Playing in Parts
- Etcher: James Gillray (British, London 1756–1815 London)
- Artist: After Brownlow North (British, 1778–1829)
- Publisher: Hannah Humphrey (British, ca. 1745–1819)
- Date: May 15, 1801
- Medium: Hand-colored etching and aquatint
- Dimensions: Sheet: 10 1/8 × 14 3/16 in. (25.7 × 36 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Gift of Jill Spalding, 2022
- Object Number: 2022.309.6
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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Multiple artists/makers
June 13, 1781
Multiple artists/makers
[1830]
James Gillray
June 19, 1780
Multiple artists/makers
after April 1785
James Gillray
Hannah Humphrey
July 16, 1805
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