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Nixon, John (1750-1818)
Original Caricature of Two Horn Players.
London, 1789. Image size 3.50" h x 7" w; matted with a total dimension of 10" h x 12" w. Excellent condition. Original drawing from 1789.
An original drawing in pen from life of two musicians playing horns. Ink and watercolor. There is a number "18" written on the far left, possibly indicating a page number from a sketch book. On the bottom left, Nixon has marked "Drury Lane" and signed the piece with his initials and date on lower right. One assumes that these are two musicians who performed at the Drury Lane theater in London.
John Nixon, a merchant by trade, was one of the best-known amateur artists of the late 18th century and exhibited his paintings at the London royal Academy of Arts between 1781 and 1813. He was a friend of the famous caricaturist Thomas Rowlandson. He frequently drew musicians and sometimes musical instruments.
GPH-11922$850The famous Royal Theatre Drury Lane had existed in London since 1663. In 1791 the building was demolished to make way for a larger theatre which opened in 1794. This new Drury Lane survived for 15 years before burning down in 1809.
