Angel and Lute – SOLD

Lighthearted and colourful, “Angel and Lute” portrays the delight of music, an interest that was integral to David Boyd’s life.

Born in Murrumbeena in 1924, David Boyd came from one Australia’s most important art dynasties. As well as their immense talent for the visual arts, a love of music runs through the Boyd dynasty, with members of the family being professional musicians.

As a young boy, in addition to painting and pottery studies, David also played the piano. When he was 17 he began studies in piano at the Melba Conservatorium of Music in Melbourne. However, conscription into the Australian army interrupted his studies, and upon resuming his course at the Conservatorium after the war, Boyd struggled with the formality of the teachings, preferring to express his love of music by improvising for hours on the piano. Boyd transferred his ex-serviceman’s scholarship from the Conservatorium to the Melbourne National Gallery art school to study painting and eventually became one of Australia’s best-known artists. 

Rendered in a highly appealing impasto technique with vibrant colour, “Angel with Lute” shows David Boyd’s abiding love of music. He conveys the connection between musician and instrument so delightfully. The angel cradles his treasured lute, a source of creative expression and joy, and music notes spill out playfully.

“Angel and Lute” is in lovely condition, very well framed and is a fine example of this well loved theme in Boyd’s works – that of cherubic angels absorbed in the wonder and beauty of music.