Playing in parts

Gillray, James, 1756-1815 · May 15, 1801

Amateur musicians, the design based on 'Ars-Musica,' altered, and much elaborated. Four ugly and elderly men grouped round a young woman who sits, full face, at a square piano lit by a guttering candle. She lifts her hands to thump, with grim determination. A cellist is on her right, a vast gouty leg thrust forward, a violinist on her left. Behind her are two flautists. Behind (left), a young officer and a girl flirt, hand in hand. In the background (right) are visitors: two military officers shake hands, one bowing so that his sword lifts up the petticoats of a fat lady walking off to the right. A dog howls with one paw on a music-book (BM).