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MOTHER'S DARLING
By JOSEPH CLARK (1834-1926)
IN THE TATE GALLERY, LONDON
Mr. Clark was born at Cerne Abbas, in Dorsetshire, in 1834, and when he was about 13 years of age migrated to London. He received his first art education at the gallery of the late J. I. Leigh in Newman Street, now Heatherley's, afterwards entering the Academy Schools. In 1857, when he was 23, he exhibited "The Sick Child," a pathetic picture which indicated the bent of his mind. Since that time he has produced pictures which have called forth not only popular applause, but have gained him the reputation of being a master of his craft in all that concerns the construction of a picture, especially in the skill with which he conveys his story and concentrates the interest upon its central figures. This effect is gained not merely by clever construction, but by a wise discrimination which, while it omits nothing vital, rejects superfluous details in favour of essentials. Above all, his pictures are noteworthy for the gentle thought and feeling which reveal the creations of his mind in a mood that is at once sweet and tender.
"Mother's Darling" was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1885, and was purchased for the nation under the terms of the Chantrey Bequest. It is typical of the painter's work. "I am always much interested in children," he says," and their pathetic expression when they are ill appeals very strongly to me."
The picture was painted in the artist's garden-studio in the Camden Road. The artist's wife posed for the mother, while his little girl served as the model for the sick child.
From the book "Famous Paintings" Volume 2 printed in 1913.
Large files of this public domain print are available at Stock Photos at Songs of Praise
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Online "Name the Painting"
Joseph Clark
at the Tate Gallery
Joseph Clark
at Art Net
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