19th Century Oil on Canvas Painting "A Heavenly Recital" Signed J. Bernstein

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This elegant antique oil on canvas painting was created in Germany circa 1880 and is titled “A Heavenly Recital.” The … Read more This elegant antique oil on canvas painting was created in Germany circa 1880 and is titled “A Heavenly Recital.” The large genre scene depicts three jovial monks enjoying a private musical gathering: one plays the violin, another the cello, while the third accompanies them on the flute. The intimate composition is enriched with narrative detail, from the richly draped red tablecloth adorned with sheet music, to the books and mantel clock in the background. The warm palette, expressive faces, and attention to textures bring the scene to life with humor and charm.
The painting is signed in the lower right corner by J. Bernstein, a 19th-century artist known through the art market for works of this type. Though little is documented about his life, Bernstein’s canvases appear in auction records, where his works have been offered internationally and collected for their lively depictions of monastic and domestic interiors. His ability to combine fine academic brushwork with genre storytelling situates him within the tradition of late 19th-century German realism.
The artwork is presented in its original, deeply carved giltwood frame, richly decorated with acanthus leaf motifs in high relief, which enhances the theatrical quality of the scene. Both the canvas and the frame are in excellent condition commensurate with age and use, with vibrant colors, fine detailing, and a well-preserved surface patina.
This large and decorative antique painting would make a refined addition to a study, library, office, or music room, where its historical charm and lighthearted subject can be fully appreciated.
Measures: 36″ W x 32″ H See less