Friday, April 01, 2011

Story in Paintings


The Departure
by George Goodwin Kilburne (British, 1905)

Another 19th century painting with a story.  My guess is that the couple is departing from an inn, and the husband is having a closer look at the bill. What do you think? You may be able to get a larger view by clicking on the picture.

6 comments:

Lydia said...

If you go to www.allposters.com and type in the name of the painting, you can get the magnified view. I'll try to replace it with that size soon so that you can see the details.

Anonymous said...

This is fun, analyzing these older paintings. It reminds me a bit of looking at a "Where's Waldo" book...or, one of my daughter's favorite series: "I Spy". Also, anything done by Richard Scarry. Those illustrations are packed full of information, & the observer can find new things each time! I am convinced these kinds of exercises are good for children because it trains them to look for & be aware of the details of everyday life, & to be discerning in various situations.

Brenda

Lydia said...

Take a look at furniture, wall coverings, woodwwork around windows and doorways, rugs, table cloths and dishes. These styles are still being used today.

Anonymous said...

What a charming scene. I love how the innkeeper is hoovering nearby as the husband is reaching into his pocket for the requisite coinage. What percentage (if any) was considered a proper tip in those days?

It is telling that the wife is busying herself with her bonnet and letting her husband handle the transaction. Today we often see the wife doing the business or else she is telling the husband how much of a tip to leave. The old ways are nicer and more Biblical, in my opinion.

Thank you for this post.

Kind regards from,

Susan T.

Lydia said...

One of his gloves appears to be on the floor (unless it is hers?) He may have been standing by her, getting ready to go, when he read the bill. Then, he had to go sit down ;-) The proprieter looks a little concerned that the man may make a fuss over it.

Ginger said...

I want to tie my hat on too. I wish we could get sweet hats like in Emma and Sense and Sensibility. Let's bring back the hat!