Artwork
A Young Violoncellist
A Young Violoncellist is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Lilla Cabot Perry. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. Created in 1896, this oil painting depicts a young girl seated on a stool, cradling a cello and bow.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1896, this oil painting depicts a young girl seated on a stool, cradling a cello and bow. She gazes directly at the viewer, her expression solemn, while a darkened interior and a gilded frame behind her provide a muted backdrop. The work is part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston’s collection.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a youthful musician, emphasizing the seriousness of practice and performance. Her attire—a long dress with a lace collar and brown shoes—suggests modesty and refinement, while the instrument’s warm tones highlight the intimacy of the musical moment.
Technique & Style
Executed in an Impressionist manner, the painting employs soft, broken brushwork and a subtle palette. Contrasting light and shadow create a chiaroscuro effect that models the figure and cello, giving them a three‑dimensional presence within the dimly lit space.
History & Provenance
American painter Lilla Cabot Perry, born in 1848, produced the work after extensive study in Europe and Japan, where she absorbed French Impressionist principles from mentors such as Claude Monet. The piece entered the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, where it remains on view.
Artist & collection
Artist
Lilla Cabot Perry (born Lydia Cabot; January 13, 1848 – February 28, 1933) was an American artist who worked in the American Impressionist style, rendering portraits and landscapes in the free form manner of her mentor, Claude Monet.
