This small English oil on thick oak panel is a wonderful example of a small art work that would have been seen hanging in provincial homes of the early 16th century.

Painted between 1520-1550 this small artwork depicts a tavern scene with various people sat drinking while listening to a musician.

I was lucky enough to have Helen Cobby who is assistant curator at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts here at the University of Birmingham confirm its heritage, she particularly liked the female in the blue dress and commented that the early violin being played is possibly a viola da braccio which was popular around that time also confirming the age of the painting.

Helen also commented how vibrant some of the colours still are and would benefit from cleaning/restoration if you wanted to go down that path.

It’s in a fair condition for its age given the fact it would have been in probably smoky, fireplace atmospheres for many years. There is some paint loss and cracking which is totally understandable.

This is a brilliant piece of English history and will probably be the oldest painting you would own.

It’s measures 14cm wide, 10cm high

It’s currently housed in an awful (but adequate for hanging) 1940’s oak frame that measures 22cm x 18.5cm

Free UK Postage via Royal Mail

From a smoke & pet-free home.