3-047-061 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

"An Old Song", 1872. 'The old-fashioned dress of the lady and gentleman who are seated by the pianoforte, in the scene of peaceful domestic amusement which our Artist has put before us, reminds us of the earlier period of George III.'s reign, and brings up reminiscences of Miss Burney, with her Evelina and Cecilia, or even the Vicar of Wakefield's daughters, Olivia and Sophia. If we had to look farther, we might consult the pleasant volumes of Miss Sarah Tytler and J. L. Watson, called "The Songstresses of Scotland" (published by Strahan) for anecdotes of the musical and poetical ladies of that day; Mrs. Alison Cockburn,...Lady Anne Barnard,...and Lady Nairn...These most accomplished women of the last century, if they did not read so many new books, or travel and visit so widely, as their great-granddaughters, had quite as high a degree of sound mental culture. As for their singing, it is a matter of taste, and so it is, perhaps, with their manners, sentiments, and conversation; but every man will keep his private opinion. Sir Walter Scott, who lived through the transition period from one age to another, has expressed his own partiality to the society of these sprightly, yet stately, elderly dames'. (Note piano stool with lyre-shaped back). From "Illustrated London News", 1872.