The Convalescent (1874). Jules Emile Santin (French, 1829-1894). Oil on canvas. Bury Art Gallery, Museum & Archives.
This work offers a glimpse of late nineteenth century French attitudes towards illness, interior design and what were considered suitable occupations for women, i.e., needlework, reading and music. A woman sits languidly in a chair with an open book on her lap. On the organ behind her is the musical notation for a piece of music entitled Primavera.