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Notes

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One of the last of the great viola da gamba virtuosi, Abel arrived in London in 1759 and was famous for the subscription concerts which he organised with Johann Christian Bach at the Hanover Square Rooms. Abel and Gainsborough were close friends who shared a passion for the viola da gamba and a love of life. Gainsborough became a skilful performer on the instrument and his careful portrayal of the underhand grip of the bow in this portrait reflects his understanding. In return for his teaching Abel received some paintings and many drawings by his friend. On Abel's death Gainsborough said, 'I shall never cease looking up to heaven the little while I have to stay behind – in hopes of getting one more glance of the man I loved from the moment I heard him touch the string'.

National Portrait Gallery, London

London

Title

Karl Friedrich Abel

Date

c.1765

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 126.7 x W 101.3 cm

Accession number

5947

Acquisition method

Purchased with help from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, 1987

Work type

Painting

National Portrait Gallery, London

St Martin’s Place, London, Greater London WC2H 0HE England

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Artist or maker

Thomas Gainsborough

1727–1788

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