Conversazione [graphic]

"Ladies and gentlemen seated in a semicircle, while a footman holds a circular tray on which are tea-cups, &c. In the foreground a man sits (centre) his bag-wig hanging over the back of his chair facing the semicircle. On the extreme left a man sits stiffly, hat under his right arm, tea-cup in his left hand; next is an elderly and ugly woman, holding a fan; then a stout man seated uncomfortably on the edge of his chair. Then a lean and ugly old woman sitting very upright, with a fan. In the centre of the circle, full face, holding a tea-cup in both hands and looking downwards, is a lady with enormously wide petticoats, who appears to be the hostess. Next stands the footman, who is glaring with scorn at a French manservant who stands behind the guests on the left holding a plate of bread and butter. The remaining guests are in a group on the right. A stout and ugly man, in profile to the left, stretches out his hand, either in gesticulation, or to take a cup of tea from the tray. Next him is a plainly dressed man with an enormous wig who is laughing and looking through a single eye-glass. These two are the only guests who show the slightest animation, the others sitting rigidly silent. On the extreme right sits a young lady of pleasing appearance, in profile to the left, looking down demurely at her fan. Behind her (right) appears the head of a good-looking young man, whose arm rests on the back of her chair. Two oval pictures are indicated on the back wall the room."--British Museum online catalogue