The Unwilling Listener

This early painting shows several aspects of Richard's work at this time - his interest in Renaissance and Dutch art, and the fact that he was trained in drawing rather than as a painter or colourist. It is very much a narrative, and some might say autobiographical, with a touch of humour. All these threads can be seen in his later work.

Incidentally, Richard was a good pianist and organist himself. We are not sure what kind of keyboard instrument is depicted. A spinet perhaps?