Painting of the Day: One of the Family, Frederick Cotman, 1880

"One of the Family"
Frederick Cotman, 1880
The Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool

Up-and-coming Liverpool painter, Frederick Cotman—sold his first important painting in 1880 when it was purchased by the Walker Art Gallery. The painting shows a sentimental domestic scene—very popular at the time—which despite its farmhouse feel was actually painted in very different conditions.


The painting was created at the Black Boy Inn at Hurley on Thames with the innkeeper and his family posing for the subjects. The title, “One of the Family,” not only refers to all visitors being welcomed, but specifically to the equine visitor who has joined the family for breakfast. Critics at the time applauded the work for its beautiful rendering, but especially for its message of showing kindness to animals.