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Continuing a nineteenth-century tradition, lecturers at a Discourse are advised not to begin with the address 'Ladies and Gentlemen…' but to launch straight into their topic. The painting shows a Discourse (presumably based on an actual event) where the lecturer forgot to follow these instructions, to the dire distress of the audience attending. It was traditionally hung in the room where the lecturers were left to prepare for their talk, to remind them what might happen.
The Royal Institution
London
Title
An Imaginary Friday Evening Discourse Scene – 'Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen'
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
H 42.1 x W 52.2 cm
Accession number
RIIC 1560
Acquisition method
unknown acquisition method
Work type
Painting