Karl Friedrich Abel

Maker Thomas Gainsborough (British, 1727-1788)

SitterSitter: Karl Friedrich Abel (German, 1723 - 1787)

Collections

ClassificationsPAINTINGS

Dateca. 1777

Mediumoil on canvas

Dimensions88 3/4 x 59 1/2 in. (225.4 x 151.1 cm.) frame: 105 × 75 × 7 1/2 in. (266.7 × 190.5 × 19.1 cm.)

DescriptionSeated at a table, center, full-length, facing slightly to the left front and looking up from his work. His right hand holds a quill with which he is writing the score of a composition; his left hand covers his snuffbox; his feet are firmly planted apart. Powdered hair, tied at the nape with a black bow; white cravat, gold-brown coat with gold lace and blue lining, gold silk vest, gold-brown breeches, white stockings and black shoes with gold buckles. His viola da gamba and bow rest on his left thigh. A white Pomeranian lies on the left, under the table. A stone column rises beyond the table, and a green curtain, with two tassels hanging over Abel's head, falls over the right background. Karl Abel, chamber musician to Queen Charlotte; friend of Gainsborough.

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Label TextGainsborough portrays Karl Friedrich Abel in a moment of inspiration. He is seated at a writing table with his pen resting on the first bar of a new musical score. His viol da gamba rests against his thigh, as if he has just set it aside momentarily. Abel was a prolific composer, important performer, and one of Gainsborough’s closest friends. Gainsborough used a rich palette of emerald, crimson, and sapphire to express the wealth and status commensurate with his friend’s professional eminence, while Abel’s powdered wig and subdued suit attest to his understated good taste.

Status

On view

Object number25.19