This painting by Vernon Ward shows people in fancy clothes huddled around a woman playing a piano. Who wouldn’t want to be in this joyful situation? In this painting, Ward has shown the benefits of living in the moment. These people are with each other, enjoying the music. This shows that success leads to happiness.
There are many noticeable details. First off, Vernon Ward uses light colors to make the painting bright and have a welcoming sense. There is a light that illuminates the pianist in the center of the picture. The yellow tone all around the painting really brings out happy vibes, gives the people a warm look, and there are smiles all around.
Another detail is that in the painting people are gathered around the pianist. This is the center of the painting. The interior of the house and the furniture inside shows that the people are wealthy and successful. For example, whoever lives here owns a large piano. In the Victorian Era, people had these things to show their style. The women are wearing full-skirted evening gowns and the guys are wearing black tuxedos. In the background, you can see a dining room where maids and butlers are getting ready for dinner. The artist put this to further show their wealth and success. The combination of wealth success seems to lead to happiness. This also gives more depth to the painting, instead of just people and a piano.
Vernon Ward shows the extravagant living of wealthy people in the Victorian Era. Through his painting, he shows the happiness of the people who were successful. He did this through the yellow tones he used, the detail of the house’s interior, and the people. Vernon Ward has effectively communicated the theme and subject.
By: The Britalit Group
works cited:
Ward, V. (2019). [online] Fashion-era.com. Available at: http://www.fashion-era.com/images/Paintings/airsx30x450.jpg.