George Smith - Spring Flowers

1851
oil on panel

George Smith (1829-1901) studied at the RA schools and later exhibited many works at the RA and the British Institution. He specialised in genre scenes of children which were much admired. They were usually rather idyllic scenes like this.

When this painting was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1851, The Art Journal in its review, admired the subject of `Children decking with flowers their little sister, whom they have drawn forth in her little cart; the picture has much truthful excellence.' Most early Victorian artists, with the notable exception of William Mulready, avoided the darker aspects of childhood in response to the taste of their patrons.