Reginald Pannett, The Merry Widow, Sheet Music Cover Design

Reginald Pannett, The Merry Widow, Sheet Music Cover DesignThis early 20th century watercolour and gouache by British artist Reginald Pannett (1875 1924) depicts an Edwardian lady in a sumptuous black dress and white gloves. Pannett was immersed in the heady world of theatre from an early age as his father, a draper, produced costumes. In 1911, census records also show the presence of a costumier lodging in the family home. As such, he applied his artistic talents towards sheet music design, producing

She’s perhaps looking at her hairstyle

it abideth alone: but if it die

But we also see the influence of earlier Flemish painters including Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)

He’s wearing a grey robe which is tied around the waist and another heavier brown garment over his shoulder

a tall mirror is positioned behind ornaments that are sat atop a decorative cabinet

and inscribed on the reverse

A white horse stands

which only adds to its intrigue

would’ve given his life over to hone his skills

while his friend Degas was calling for a boycott

Pedersen trained at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts where he later became a member

The board is a little undulant and it’s accumulated various layers of dirt over the years