Girl Playing a Cello 1891

Curator: Lilla Cabot Perry painted "Girl Playing a Cello," now residing at the Harvard Art Museums. The dimensions clock in at roughly 40 by 30 inches. It feels so muted, somber even. Editor: The subdued palette definitely sets the mood. I see the artist's involvement with impressionism in the way light reflects off the girl's dress and the cello’s varnish. Did she come from a wealthy background, allowing her access to the instrument and leisure for practice? Curator: Precisely. Perry came from a privileged Bostonian family, and her exposure to European art circles definitely shaped her artistic direction and understanding of Impressionism. Editor: I’m curious about the cello itself. Considering the time, was it a factory-produced instrument or something crafted by a luthier? I bet it was a high-end instrument. Curator: That's a great question. Thinking about the consumption of these instruments and the social status associated with their ownership adds another layer of interpretation. It also gives insights into the economic systems supporting artistic endeavors at the time. Editor: The girl's intense focus almost makes me hear the music. Well, it's certainly given me a lot to think about regarding art, class, and sound.