The Musician Duo, Circa 1840

Charming scene, painted in oil in a tondo, representing two young musicians, one singing, the other accompanying her on the guitar, a background of sea and blue sky. The accuracy of the positions of the guitarist's hands, the precision of the representation of the guitar, with precious elm burl ribs, lead us to believe that the author, if not a musician, knows this universe perfectly. In addition, the composition is very close to a more important painting by Ferdinand Shimon (1797-1552). A photo of it is placed last in the following for comparison. This artist born in Buda, died in Munich, will pursue the double career of painter, student of Lampi il Giovane, and musician, friend of Schubert. He is a popular singer in Vienna (he sings in Fidelio and in an opera by Schubert, and roles by Mozart). We can cite from him, even if he is little known in France, a Portrait of Carl Maria von Weber and especially a famous portrait of Beethoven. We cannot deny the proximity of this painting with the one offered here. It is in very good condition (we can however note a small old restoration). The frame is itself without great interest, certainly later. We will note the quality of the chassis, very solid and pegged. It bears an annotation in old pen (Daniel 23?). diameter of the chassis: 28.5 cm