“Harmony” by Sir Frank Dicksee, 1853

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Harmony

Sir Frank Dicksee, 1853–1928

1907

Oil on canvas

“The exhibition of his famous picture, ‘Harmony’ at once placed him in the foremost rank among living artists. . . . In 1877 the well- remembered picture, ‘Harmony’, was exhibited, and it is not too much to say that it took the world of London by storm. What the Academicians themselves thought of it was indicated by the position in which it was placed — that is as a centre in the first room, and it was at once purchased by the Council under the terms of the Chantrey bequest. This beautiful work, so original both in subject and treatment, so instinct with true poetic feeling, must be still vividly remembered by all who saw it on the Academy walls.” [continued below]

“By permission of Mssrs. Agnew.”

Source: The 1886-87 Magazine of Art

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Commentary from the Magazine of Art

The girl seated at the organ, the lover listening in rapt attention, the glory of the evening light through the stained-glass window forming an aureole round the girl's glistening hair, the subdued but beautiful colour, the carefully finished yet not too prominent details, all formed a veritable poem on canvas, bringing indefinite association with Adelaide Procter's ‘Lost Chord’ and ‘A twilight song; while the shadows sleep Dusk and deep,’ and, indeed, with all beautiful abstractions, whether of music, poetry, or painting.”

Bibliography

Hodges, Sidney. “Mr. Frank Dicksee, A.R.A.” The Magazine of Art. 10 (November 1886-October 1887): 217-22, Internet Archive version of a copy in the University of Toronto Library. Web. 21 October 2014.

Last modified 27 June 2020