Who painted A Convivial Gathering with a Man Playing a Hurdy-Gurdy?

A Convivial Gathering with a Man Playing a Hurdy-Gurdy was painted by Giuseppe Bernardino Bison in 1803.

Where can I see A Convivial Gathering with a Man Playing a Hurdy-Gurdy?

A Convivial Gathering with a Man Playing a Hurdy-Gurdy is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is A Convivial Gathering with a Man Playing a Hurdy-Gurdy?

A Convivial Gathering with a Man Playing a Hurdy-Gurdy is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

A Convivial Gathering with a Man Playing a Hurdy-Gurdy

Giuseppe Bernardino Bison , 1803

A Convivial Gathering with a Man Playing a Hurdy-Gurdy is a chalk drawing by the Romanticist artist Giuseppe Bernardino Bison. It dates from 1803 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

A Convivial Gathering with a Man Playing a Hurdy-Gurdy is an 1803 drawing by Giuseppe Bernardino Bison, executed in pen and brown ink with brown wash over black chalk on wove paper. Characterized by loose, expressive lines and layered shading, the work conveys a sense of dynamic energy.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing captures a lively social gathering centered around a musician playing a hurdy-gurdy, with others dancing or clapping in response. This scene reflects Bison’s interest in genre and anecdotal themes, highlighting everyday life and communal joy.

Technique & Style

Bison employed a combination of pen, brown ink, brown wash, and black chalk to achieve a textured, layered effect. The loose, quick strokes and dense shading generate a sense of busyness and vitality, while the brown ink imbues the work with a warm, slightly antiquated appearance.

History & Provenance

Created in 1803, this drawing falls within a period of Bison’s career marked by experimentation with diverse subjects and techniques. Originating from an itinerant artist known for frescoes, landscapes, and capriccios, the piece demonstrates his versatility.