The Gentleman’s Amusement was published c.1809 by instrument makers Bainbridge & Wood to promote their ‘patent flageolets.’ William Bainbridge had developed new types of flageolets (flutes similar to recorders), among them in 1805 a double flageolet. The scene capitalises on the pastoral connotations of the flageolet and is resolutely rustic, with field gate, cottage and sheep, though the players are in fashionable dress. A closer look reveals that someone has cheekily added little dots to the woman’s face and neck, charitably interpretable as freckles, but probably rather meant to be the smallpox.
- Item reference: Frank S. Brown Music Collection
- Photographer: Jamie Carstairs
- Copyright: University of Bristol
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