The Music Lesson

The print depicts a magnificent painting by Sir Frederic Leighton titled "The Music Lesson" from 1877. Today, the artwork is housed at the Guildhall Art Gallery in London.

The instrument used by the two models is an exquisite example of a saz, a type of long-necked lute with ancient Turkish tradition, widespread in Asia Minor and Egypt since the first millennium BCE.

The precious garments worn were part of a collection personally acquired by Leighton during a trip to Damascus in 1873.

Another interesting detail concerns the face of the child, recognizable as that of the very young Connie Gilchrist, who also posed for other famous painters of the time such as Holl, Frith, and Whistler. Connie was also an actress, dancer, and singer. Her success began at the age of 12 at the Gaiety Theatre, where she became famous for a unique rope dance choreography that earned her the nickname "the original Gaiety Girl."

Despite her great popularity, Connie left the stage at just 27 years old, preferring a quieter and more private married life alongside her beloved Edmond Walter FitzMaurice, 7th Earl of Orkney.