“The Music Lesson” – Signed C. Chivat, 1880

This richly detailed 19th-century oil painting captures a refined domestic scene steeped in Old World elegance. A seated lady in a sumptuous crimson and ivory gown strums a lute, her gaze fixed on the open score before her. Standing at her side, a gentleman in dark formal attire appears to guide her through the composition, his hand poised in mid-instruction.

Executed with a warm, intimate palette and fine attention to costume and expression, the work reflects the Victorian-era fascination with romanticized glimpses into the past—particularly the genteel pursuits of music and courtship. The artist, C. Chivat, has signed and dated the piece 1880 in the lower left corner, lending both authenticity and historical presence.

Set against a softly lit interior with rich wood paneling, the painting draws the viewer into a timeless moment of harmony, culture, and refinement. A captivating addition for collectors of antique European art, music-themed works, or genre scenes celebrating the elegance of a bygone era.

Medium: Oil on Wood

Date: 1880

Artist: C. Chivat

Style: Romantic / Genre Painting

Dimensions: Approximately 8.5” H x 7” W