Anonymous- North America (After Sargent),
The Family Group, c. 1900, gouache, 22 15/16 x 16 15/16 inches. Brigham Young University Museum of Art, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Damitz, 1974.
This nostalgic depiction of a family celebrating Christmas at the turn of the 20th century is filled with the familiar mix of carols, presents, trimmed tree, and holly that have come to define December 25th. In contrast to our commercialized and overscheduled modern holiday, the mood of this scene is quiet and soothing as family members—young and old—gather around the piano celebrating the season with harmonious voices lifted in joyous song.