Mansion House Antiques & Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1860s.
(NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH MODERN COPIES)
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
"BROOKS, Thomas (1818-1891)
Born Hull 1818, went to London 1838, studied at Sass's art school for six months and then at the RA. After a year in the studio of Henry Perronet Briggs, he studied in Paris, returning to Hull to work as a portrait painter for five years. Moved permanently to London 1845 and became a successful genre painter. Also painted marine subjects after 1860. Some 40 of his works were popular through engravings. Exhibited 55 genre pictures at the RA between 1843 and 1882, 19 at the BI 1846-67, and 11 at the SBA 1846-68. Died 1891, in June according to The Year's Art (1892); his death was noted in the July 1891 issue of the Art Journal (p224).
INTERPRETATION OF THE SCENE
The young boy,having been crying earlier,is seen having just opened the oak planked door for a well wrapped visiting neighbour with her young daughter leading the way.
The girl is shown bringing a generous offering of fruit in a lattice work cane bowl,carefully carrying towards the lady seen sitting with her pale looking child held on lap and looking sickly.
With two daughters to feed and a young baby depicted snuggled up warm under a hand made patchwork quilt,the child carefully wrapped up securely within a heavy cane hooded cradle.
The babies mother sits with her foot seen resting on an old tripod legged oak stool,having a woven floor matt beneath her feet,to try to prevent the coldness of the quarry tiled floor,from making all their feet cold and chilled.
With only afew vegetables to eat,a solitary half peeled turnip is seen abandoned on the floor,next to their absent fathers hat.
The large open fireplace is the focal point of the room and scene,with the whole family waiting for the large cast iron cauldron to come to the boil,seen hanging and steaming over the open fire,hopefully full of vegetables still cooking.
The table being scarcely laid with only a solitary cup and a distinct blue and white teapot shown sat on the dull table cloth.
The baby sleeps on oblivious to the harsh life they have to lead.
PUBLISHER
London Published June 24th 1863 By printers
Moore Mc Queen & Co,25 Berners Street Paris.
Presented in a good quality later gilt decorative frame,and under glass with nicely bordering trim.
Fully preserved in great overall condition under glass.
The Engraving has no fading or damage and is unmarked throughout,making this picture a good collectors item.
MEASUREMENTS
Height29.25 Inches
Width: 38.75 Inches
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Mansion House Antiques & Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1860s.
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Large Victorian Hand Coloured Engraving Produced by G.s.shury of Family Life at Home After Painting by Artist Thomas Brooks Titled Charity C1860 Size 29.25" X 38.75"
