This early 20th-century oil painting attributed to British artist Allan Douglas Davidson (1873-1932) depicts a gentleman playing the piano and the ghostlike form of a nude.
The well-versed pianist, immersed in his playing, is simultaneously lost in reverie. His imagination conjuring the sensual vision of a naked woman. Perhaps she’s a lost love - or simply a manifestation of the music itself.
Davidson was a master of figure painting, training in Paris, and this small impressionistic piece is an unusual addition to his oeuvre. Compared to his finer works, it seems elusive, mystifying, and personal. If you look closely, you’ll see that the figure is possibly arriving via the sheet music.
Medium: Oil on canvas board
Overall size: 11½” x 8½” / 29cm x 22cm
Year of creation: c. 1910
Provenance: Private collection, England.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some wear and various restorations.
Artist’s auction maximum: £16,000
Allan Douglas Davidson RBA ROI RMS was an accomplished British painter of figures, predominantly nudes. He trained first at the Royal Academy Schools in London and later at the Académie Julian in Paris. He was elected a member of the Royal Society of British Artists and the Royal Institute of Oil Painters. Also an associate of the Royal Miniature Society. The National Trust at Felbrigg Hall holds examples of his work.
Learn more about Allan Douglas Davidson in our directory.
We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also often restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
