Concerto Spirituale

March 23, 1773

Not on view

Concerts of religious music were performed regularly at the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden in the 1770s. Bunbury's name does not appear on this caricature, but he is credited as designer in later variations (17.3.888-222 and 59.533.1738). The viol da gamba player likely represents Carl Friedrich Abel, or possibly Johann Christian Bach. The oboe player has been identified as Johann Christian Fisher, and the French horn player as Giovanni Punto (born Jan Stich). These men came to London from the Continent hoping to take advantage of the patronage of George III–the British king was also prince-elector of Hanover, married Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, and enjoyed German music.

Artwork Details

Title: Concerto Spirituale
Artist: James Bretherton (British, active 1750–99)
Artist: After Henry William Bunbury (British, Mildenhall, Suffolk 1750–1811 Keswick, Cumberland)
Sitter: Probably represents Carl Friedrich Abel (German, Cöthen 1723–1787 London)
Sitter: Possibly represents Johann Christian Bach (German, 1735–1782)
Sitter: Johann Christian Fisher (German, ca. 1733–1800)
Sitter: Probably represents Giovanni Punto (Bohemian, 1746–1803)
Date: March 23, 1773
Medium: Etching touched with ink
Dimensions: sheet: 9 15/16 x 7 7/8 in. (25.3 x 20 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1917
Object Number: 17.3.888-219
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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