Object of the Day, Museum Edition: “The First Interview of the Divorced Empress Josephine,” Henrietta Ward, 1870

The First Interview of the  Divorced Empress Josephine
with the King of Rome
1870

Henrietta Ward specialized in tender historical scenes. This painting of the Empress Josephine with the King of Rome was based on this passage from Histoire de Napoleon II by Duc de Reichstadt: “At the sight of this child Josephine experienced profound emotion. She fixed upon him her eyes dimmed with tears... The little Prince returned her affection, and gave himself up, and all the gentleness and amiability of his character... The Emperor heartily thanked Josephine for this testimony of her affection. It was a day of happiness to him.”


The painting, created in 1870, was displayed at The Royal Academy and was recently auctioned at Sotheby’s.

Antique Image of the Day: A "Vanity Fair" Cover by "Spy", 1900

Winston
"Spy," 1900
The Victoria & Albert Museum

We’ve talked about “Spy” before. The son of two of my favorite artists (E.M. Ward and Henrietta Ward), Sir Leslie Ward used the name, “Spy” when he created his famous caricatures for the cover of “Vanity Fair.”


Here, we see a print entitled “Winston” depicting Winston Churchill, which graced “Vanity Fair” in September of 1900. This is one of a series of portraits published by “Vanity Fair” under the title “Men of the Day.”

Gratuitous Bertie Dog Picture: Fender Bender

“I don’t know if you’re aware of this, Johnnie, but I like to sit in fireplaces.  So, let’s put the fire out.  Okay?  And, while you’re at it, you can take the barricade down.”

(click image to enlarge)

Image: John Forster in His Library, Edward Matthew (E.M.) Ward, 1850, The Victoria & Albert Museum

Painting of the Day: “The First Interview of the Divorced Empress Josephine,” Henrietta Ward, 1870

The First Interview of the  Divorced Empress Josephine
with the King of Rome
1870

Henrietta Ward specialized in tender historical scenes. This painting of the Empress Josephine with the King of Rome was based on this passage from Histoire de Napoleon II by Duc de Reichstadt: “At the sight of this child Josephine experienced profound emotion. She fixed upon him her eyes dimmed with tears... The little Prince returned her affection, and gave himself up, and all the gentleness and amiability of his character... The Emperor heartily thanked Josephine for this testimony of her affection. It was a day of happiness to him.”


The painting, created in 1870, was displayed at The Royal Academy and was recently auctioned at Sotheby’s.

Object of the Day: “Memories of Ninety Years,” Henrietta Ward

Renowned English painter Henrietta Ward penned two memoirs during her long life. The first was Mrs. E.M. Ward’s Reminiscences which was published in 1911 and recounted her exciting life with her husband, also an accomplished and celebrated painter as well as their relationships with such luminaries as Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins. In her second memoir, Memories of Ninety Years, published before her death in 1924, Ward spoke plainly about her life as a painter, her friendship with Queen Victoria and told tales from her scintillating life and family. She speaks fondly of her son, Sir Leslie Ward, and chronicled her time as tutor to the children of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.


Included in the book are several attractive plates of reproductions of her works as well as intimate photographs from her own collection. These include personal photos as well as images of her friends and family.

Difficult to find, it’s a fascinating book and a rare glimpse into the life of one of Britain’s most prolific artists.

memories of ninety Years

Object of the Day: An Engraving by E.M. Ward

Edward Matthew Ward (1816-1879) was a prolific historical painter of the Victorian era. Very much against the emerging Pre-Raphaelite movement, E.M. Ward declared the works of the “brotherhood” to be “un-British” and preferred to continue to paint in the style of epic historical painters such as Hogarth. His steady “British-ness” made him extremely popular with the crown and government and he was often commissioned to do paintings for Parliament.


Ward was married to Henrietta Ward (maiden name and married name were both “Ward,” but they were unrelated), a skilled painter in her own right. Together, they associated with some of the most notable names of the era including Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins. Henrietta was a celebrated art teacher in addition to her other work. Her intimate friendship with Queen Victoria led her to be the tutor appointed to teach the Royal children how to draw. Leslie Ward, the son of E.M. and Henrietta, went on to be a well-respected caricaturist for Vanity Fair, under the name “Spy.”

Many of E.M. Ward’s paintings were recreated as engravings so that they could be included in books and presented as wall hangings which could be enjoyed by everyday people. This engraving shows Ward’s signature style. Like his wife, he filled every inch of a composition with complicated figures, detailed scenery and theatrical costumes. The result is always a painting which is full of life and serves to give one a heightened sense of a historical scene.

Object of the Day: Mrs. Fry Visiting Newgate Prison by Henrietta Ward, 1893

The granddaughter of famed painter, James Ward, Henrietta Ward was fascinated by art at an early age and showed an uncommon talent as a child. Growing up, she was surrounded by artists such as Sir Edwin Landseer, C.R. Leslie and the great historical painter, Edward Matthew (E.M.) Ward (no relation). In 1843, at the age of 11, she decided she was madly in love with E.M Ward, sixteen years her senior. Her love grew over the years, and in 1848, aided by family friend Wilkie Collins, she and E.M. Ward eloped—an act for which her family never forgave her.


Mrs. Ward’s marriage fostered her artistic talent. As she raised their eight children (one of whom was Leslie Ward, who under the name “Spy” drew some of the most famous covers of Vanity Fair Magazine), she painted some of the most famous historical paintings in English art history. A favorite of Queen Victoria, Mrs. Ward was commissioned to teach art to the Royal children. Very quickly, she became the most famous female painter in England and enjoyed an induction into the Royal Academy (an unusual distinction for a woman). With the support of her husband and prominent friends such as Charles Dickens, she became a true pioneer.

One of Mrs. Ward’s most celebrated paintings was a historical scene of another female pioneer—prison and social reformer, Mrs. Elizabeth Fry. Her painting of Mrs. Fry Visiting Newgate Prison was heralded for its raw drama and sensitivity. Conditions in prisons such as Newgate were deplorable. Mrs. Fry made considerable strides in bringing attention to the conditions in these prisons where entire families were mistreated. Mrs. Ward’s painting continued Mrs. Fry’s crusade. When an engraving of the painting was displayed at the 1893 Royal Exposition, people were shocked by the cruelty it depicted.

In her second memoir, Memories of Ninety Years, written in 1911, a year before her death, Henrietta Ward explained that two engraved versions of the painting were created. An example of one of the versions remains in the Royal Collection. An example of the other was given as a gift to the Lady Abercrombie. This version of the engraving was stolen, but later recovered. Signed by the artist, with the message, “To the Lady Abercrombie, with kindest regards of the artist,” this engraving now resides here—under the watchful eye of security cameras and motion detectors. I discovered this engraving at a local antique store—evidently passed from owner to owner after the dissolution of the estate.

Also signed by the engraver, T.D. Atkins, the engraving crisply illustrates the vile conditions in Newgate prison. Mrs. Fry, the central figure, clutches her prayer book and with a resolute expression seems to be set to battle the Governor of the jail.

It’s a remarkable piece and it reminds me each day of the bravery of two exceptional women. In a world where such inspiration is in short order, I cherish both the artistry and the message.