ticketsMember | Make a donation

The Music Lesson

John George Brown American, born England
1870
Not on view
At a time when women were gaining independence from their traditional roles as wives and mothers and birthrates were dropping, Brown celebrated romance and marriage by depicting music making, an approved activity for courting couples. Underscoring the message of potential nuptials are several details in the well-furnished middle-class parlor: the planter filled with ivy, which could signify women who cling to men for support; the harp, a common symbol of love; and the framed picture of a haloed female figure. The couple’s complementary attire and shared concentration signal their compatibility.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Music Lesson
  • Artist: John George Brown (American (born England), Durham 1831–1913 New York)
  • Date: 1870
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Dimensions: 24 x 20 in. (61 x 50.8 cm)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Colonel Charles A. Fowler, 1921
  • Object Number: 21.115.3
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
To Decide the Question, John George Brown American, born England, Oil on canvas, American
To Decide the Question
John George Brown
1897
Business Neglected
John George Brown
mid 20th century
The Wounded Playfellow
John George Brown
1884
Open Your Mouth and Shut Your Eyes (from "Harper's Weekly"), John George Brown American, born England, Wood engraving
Open Your Mouth and Shut Your Eyes (from "Harper's Weekly")
John George Brown
Harper's Weekly
May 16, 1874
Meditation, John George Brown American, born England, Oil on canvas, American
Meditation
John George Brown
ca. 1900–1910

Related Content

Timeline of Art History

Entries from The Met's art encyclopedia.

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Showing 4 of 5

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.