Mother and ChildFrederick Goodall · 1875

Identification of Mother and Child

Mother and Child is an oil on panel work by the English artist Frederick Goodall. The painting is dated 1851. It belongs to the Academic Art and Academic Realism traditions of the 19th Century. The composition focuses on the subject of maternal affection and domestic care.

The artist, Frederick Goodall, was born in London, United Kingdom. This specific work was executed during a period in his career preceding his extensive travels to Egypt. The piece is a small-scale work, measuring 8 11/16 x 7 9/16 in. (22 x 19.2 cm). It is housed within a frame that measures 13 1/8 x 11 7/8 x 1 3/4 in. (33.3 x 30.2 x 4.4 cm).

Visual Composition and Subject Matter

The composition centers on a woman and children positioned within a landscape. A red shawl provides a distinct point of color against the surrounding environment. The figures are situated amidst foliage and a tree, which frame the central subjects. The ground is covered in grass, and the background features the forms of hills.

The arrangement of the figures emphasizes maternal affection and domestic care. The woman is depicted in close proximity to the children, establishing a sense of intimacy. The natural elements, including the tree and the various layers of greenery, create a structured setting for the human subjects. Light falls across the scene, highlighting the textures of the clothing and the organic shapes of the landscape.

Technique and Physical Materials

Executed in the style of Academic Realism, this work utilizes oil on panel to achieve a lifelike representation of its subjects. The choice of a wooden panel as a support provides a stable surface for the application of pigment. The surface displays visible brushstrokes and is characterized by soft lighting that defines the forms. The physical dimensions of the painting are 8 11/16 x 7 9/16 in. (22 x 19.2 cm).

The piece is housed within a frame that measures 13 1/8 x 11 7/8 x 1 3/4 in. (33.3 x 30.2 x 4.4 cm). This small-scale object is designed for close inspection of the painterly textures and the organic rendering of the figures. The application of paint focuses on the precise transitions of light and shadow across the skin tones and drapery.

History and Current Collection

This oil on panel work was acquired by Sterling and Francine Clark prior to 1955. It remains part of the permanent collection at the Clark Art Institute. The piece is currently designated as an object of study and is presently off view.

The painting represents a significant example of Goodall's early engagement with genre subjects. It predates the artist's extensive travels to Egypt, which later became a primary focus of his professional output. This specific work is an oil on panel, measuring 22 x 19.2 cm.

Related Works by Frederick Goodall

The artist's body of work includes several pieces that share thematic or compositional interests. Among these is Mother and Children, a work dated 1851. This piece focuses on maternal affection and domestic care, depicting a woman accompanied by children amidst foliage, grass, and hills. The composition includes specific elements such as a red shawl and a tree, rendered with visible brushstrokes and soft lighting.

Other compositions by Goodall include rebekah and miranda frederick goodall. Beyond these specific titles, the artist's output is characterized by many variations of Eastern themes. These works often draw from his observations of life in Egypt, a subject he explored through various figure subjects and historical narratives during his career.