A flat black disc with spiral grooves. At the center is a round paper label with Spanish writings indicating this record would play traditional flamingo dance music from Spain sung by a Mr. Pavon. Prominently displayed on the label is the RCA (Radio Corporation of America) company symbol which had a short haired terrier dog looking into the horn of an early victrola. There is also a red postage stamp on the right with a miniature of the RCA symbol with an x marked through it. The word Madrid is printed on the lower center.
Gift from the American artist John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) to Isabella Stewart Gardner, about 1916.
Dimensions
25.5 cm (10 1/16 in.)
Display Media
Shellac with paper label
Web Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner and the artist John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) were close friends for decades. In addition to discussing art and travel, the two shared a love of music. In a letter preserved in the Museum Archives, Sargent describes their shared interest in flamenco and other Spanish music. The artist gave Isabella several flamenco records, which she clearly listened to: notes in her handwriting preserved on the labels classify each record as “good” or “bad.”
Permanent Gallery Location
Macknight Room
Rights and reproductions
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Isabella Stewart Gardner and the artist John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) were close friends for decades. In addition to discussing art and travel, the two shared a love of music. In a letter preserved in the Museum Archives, Sargent describes their shared interest in flamenco and other Spanish music. The artist gave Isabella several flamenco records, which she clearly listened to: notes in her handwriting preserved on the labels classify each record as “good” or “bad.”