I like these compositions:
The first is presumably a Russian painter. I found it among the ones that SB posted, but couldn't find a name to associate with it. I like the subtle offsets in the pose, like the cocked head and just the suggestion of the right hand which breaks up the line of the right side.
The second is by Arthur Hughes - A music party, 1864. This is a clever four person composition, I think.
The third is from Leon Perrault,1832-1908 - The flower vendor. A pleasant head and shoulder with some tricky hand work.
This last one is more for the interesting nature of the scene. Maybe scenes like this are played out now somewhere, but I've never seen one ... have you? I think the two guys sword fighting are using paint brushes and have palettes and mahl sticks in the other hand. This is the way combat should be.
Actually, I think they are using swords. Looks like some kind of battle scene is being reinacted for a painting.
Horace Vernet, The Artists Studio, 20x25, 1820.
You can get a better look here:
http://www.artrenewal.org/asp/databa...e.asp?id=27956