A village choir (1847)

Thomas Webster (1800-1886)
 

Oil on panel 59 x 90 cm Museum no. FA.222 Given by John Sheepshanks 1857

This work illustrates Washington Irving's 'Christmas Day', from The Sketch Book (1820). His essay was a comical and sentimental account of an old-fashioned village choir and its musicians. The painting was probably Webster's most famous work and was much admired. A critic praised its 'truth and diversity of character'.

Bron: Victoria and Albert museum