William Parry (1742-1791)
The Blind Harpist, John Parry (1710-1782)
c.1775-82
oil on canvas
This is a sensitive portrayal of John Parry, 'The Blind Harpist of Ruabon', painted by his son. John Parry was renowned as the 'father of modern harpists'. He was harpist to George III and to Sir Watkin Williams Wynn of Wynnstay, a wealthy landowner who owned a second version of this picture. The poet Thomas Gray said he had been inspired to write his poem The Bard after hearing Parry play the harp in Cambridge.
William Parry was a pupil of Joshua Reynolds and a close friend of the landscape painter Thomas Jones. He gained a reputation for small, whole-length portraits in oil and pastel. He was also patronised by Sir Watkin Williams Wynn.
Purchased, 1996
NMW A 3979