The Concert (1776)

Description: John Hamilton Mortimer's 1776 pen and ink drawing, "The Concert," presents a compelling and bustling scene filled with a multitude of characters engaged in the passionate enjoyment of music. The artwork is replete with expressive faces, each vividly capturing a distinct reaction to the performance. At the foreground, a group of men tightly gathered around a music score sing with varying degrees of enthusiasm and expression, illustrating the immersive power of music.In the drawing, Mortimer uses dense hatching and varied line work to create depth and texture, giving life and individuality to each figure. Notably, the figures' exaggerated facial features serve as a powerful artistic expression, ranging from wide-eyed excitement to snoozing indifference. This diversity in reaction adds a humorous edge to the composition, making it not only a representation of an 18th-century musical gathering but also a timeless commentary on the varied human responses to art and performance.Moreover, Mortimer cleverly incorporates into the scene, background figures engaged in separate conversations, adding layers to the narrative and emphasizing the social nature of such events. The cap on the figure in the bottom right, adorned with a tassel, and detailed costumes of other characters, help to anchor the artwork in its historical context.