19th Century French Overdoor Painting, the Cellist

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The distinctive shape of this French painting of a cellist indicates that it was once integrated into a room above … Read more The distinctive shape of this French painting of a cellist indicates that it was once integrated into a room above a doorway. Paintings such as these were often installed as decorative architectural elements in boiseries of French châteaux during the 1800s.

Our cellist is an elegant woman, possibly from nobility, as indicated by her dress, hairstyle, and surroundings. She is clad in an orange and gold floral bodice with a ruffled white chemise beneath. Her voluminous orange skirt covers most of the seat, but the back is still visible, indicating it is a gilded, plush armchair. In her right hand is the instrument’s bow, held in an underhand grip, indicating that she is actually holding a bass viol. Green drapes can be seen behind the woman, eloquently framing her hair, which is styled and pinned with flowers. It is possible that the overdoor was part of a salon devoted to music, as the walls would have had a similar theme in either painted or carved form. Today, it will most likely be presented as unique wall art in any room of the house. See less