Artwork
The Penny Show
The Penny Show is a paint painting by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Penny Show is a painting capturing a lively scene around a fairground booth, characterized by a mix of bright colors and loose brushstrokes.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a 19th-century fairground scene with a barker in a top hat inviting viewers to enter, surrounded by costumed performers and a crowd of onlookers. A banner advertising 'Admission One Penny' suggests the event's affordability and accessibility.
Technique & Style
The artwork is executed with rough brushstrokes and vivid colors, conveying a sense of energy and spontaneity. The loose style gives the impression of a snapshot, capturing a moment in time.
Context
The clothing and setting indicate the scene is set in the 19th century, while the painting's style aligns with Realist tendencies to depict everyday life in a straightforward manner.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
Giacomo and Cardinal Marco, investing Andrea, Abbot of San Zeno, with his Benefice
The Nymph of Fontainebleau
Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
