A captivating vintage oil painting on board signed Harnden, depicting a lively tavern scene filled with musicians, dancers, and warm ambient lighting. A violinist and guitarist perform at the center table while surrounding figures sing, converse, and enjoy the evening. Soft shadows, glowing reds and golds, and expressive brushwork create a cinematic atmosphere reminiscent of early 20th-century cabaret culture.

The artist’s ability to model light — falling from a single warm source — enhances the intimacy of the gathering, illuminating faces, instruments, and textiles with remarkable sensitivity. Presented in an ornate vintage frame with classic molding and linen liner, the artwork has a strong decorative presence and is ideal for collectors of genre scenes, musicians’ art, or nostalgic social interiors.

🖌 Medium: Oil on board
🖋️ Artist: William J. Harnden (signed “Harnden”)
🖼 Frame: Vintage carved frame with linen liner
📏 Measurements: Framed 32" x 28", Painting 24" x 20"
📦 Ships from Florida, USA — professionally packed, insured, and ready to hang

Artist Note — William J. Harnden (1907–1980)

William J. Harnden was an American painter known for his expressive depictions of musical gatherings, tavern interiors, dance halls, and warm social scenes illuminated by rich, golden light. His signature style blends American Realism with the mood of European salon painting, using softened contours and atmospheric chiaroscuro to create narrative depth.

Harnden’s works were widely collected by hotels, lounges, private clubs, and interior decorators throughout the mid-20th century, which contributed to their broad presence in the U.S. art market. Today, paintings attributed to Harnden continue to appear at auctions, appreciated for their decorative appeal, storytelling quality, and strong emotional ambiance. Large multi-figure compositions — like this one — are particularly sought after.

Condition

Good vintage condition. The paint surface shows minor age-consistent wear and light marks typical for artworks of this period. The frame displays normal vintage patina and small areas of wear but remains structurally sound and visually complementary.

Please note

Actual colors may vary slightly from the photos shown due to lighting, camera quality, and screen settings. Most items sold by MaksArtGallery are antique, vintage, or pre-owned and may show signs of age such as patina, craquelure, scuffs, or general wear. These characteristics add authenticity and charm to the artwork. Please review all photographs carefully, as they are considered part of the item description.