Studies of a Group of Three People round ?a Piano c. 1798

Editor: This is "Studies of a Group of Three People round a Piano" from the British School, sometime in the 18th century. It's a simple sketch, but there's a real sense of intimacy. What was the social function of music in this period? Curator: Well, music in the 18th century, particularly domestic music-making like this, was central to cultivating social bonds and demonstrating refinement. Think of it as a performative display of cultural capital. Who was included and excluded from these intimate gatherings? Editor: So, not just about the music itself, but about demonstrating social status? Curator: Precisely. It's about participating in a specific cultural milieu and reinforcing social hierarchies. What do you make of the artist's choice to present this as a study, rather than a finished piece? Editor: It feels more immediate, like a candid snapshot of a social ritual, offering a glimpse into that world. Curator: And what does that immediacy tell us about the artist's perspective and their intended audience? Interesting, isn't it?