Charles Nicholson
- Artist: T. Bart
- Date: 1834
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Dimensions: 30 in. x 26 in. (762 mm x 660 mm)
- Portrays: Charles Nicholson
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This portrait of Charles Nicholson shows him in full concert dress, his hand gripping a silver flute as he gazes forward. The oil on canvas, painted in 1834, lets the light fall across the rich fabrics and smooth skin tones, giving the sitter a quiet but confident presence. You’ll notice the careful rendering of the instrument—its curved shape and glint that hints at his mastery of sound. T. Bart, who worked from 1816 to 1834, captures Nicholson’s stature: the flautist was famed for his technical brilliance, first to perform the glissando technique in a single note slide. He also served as professor of flute at the Royal Academy of Music and principal flute at King’s Theatre. The portrait therefore reflects both his musical achievements and the polished attire he would wear on stage.
See it in person
Charles Nicholson is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
