Recréation picturale d'une récréation musicale : le tableau de la famille Sharp par Zoffany

The portrait of the Sharp family by Zoffany raises several questions about the visual representation of sound. The elaborate composition focuses on a keyboard instrument that is difficult to identify, though it is probably a harpsichord to which a process of foreshortening has been applied. Such a design suggests that the painting highlights the social function of music rather than accurate depiction of musical practice. Similarly, it is almost impossible to find a repertoire for the orchestra represented here. Like many conversation pieces, the painting actually makes a statement about an affluent family that could afford to entertain aristocratic audiences with semi-public water parties performed on expensive musical instruments.Deconinck-Brossard Françoise. Recréation picturale d'une récréation musicale : le tableau de la famille Sharp par Zoffany. In: XVII-XVIII. Bulletin de la société d'études anglo-américaines des XVIIe et XVIIIe siècles. N°51, 2000. pp. 273-280