Playing in Parts

Etcher James Gillray British
After Brownlow North British
Publisher Hannah Humphrey British

Not on view

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.

Playing in Parts, James Gillray (British, London 1756–1815 London), Hand-colored etching and aquatint

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