The Music Room

The Music Room

Circle of John Greenwood London, England
circa 1785
Oil on canvas
2020.10
Friends of the Museum Purchase, with funds from the Margret Wilmot Bequest

Starting at an early age, children were conditioned to follow prescribed gender norms. In this family group, both of the older children are playing instruments associated with their gender. The young girl, for example, plays the piano and not the violin because how it would change her posture and make the young girl look “indecent.” Portraying children, especially those approaching marrying age, as well-versed in gender-prescribed etiquette was a way for families to increase their odds of marrying into another affluent family.