Object Description
Fred Morgan, ‘The Hero of the Hour’, large Victorian oil painting
English, Late 19th Century
Canvas: Height 86cm, width 120cm
Frame: Height 122cm, width 154.5cm, depth 11cm
This superb oil painting is by the British artist Fred Morgan (1847-1927). Morgan is known for his idyllic genre scenes of childhood like this painting; a subject that was highly popular with the Victorian upper classes at the end of the 19th century. This painting bears multiple similarities to another work in the Mayfair Gallery collection by Morgan, entitled ‘His First Suit’.
In the foreground, a scene of triumph is taking place. A young boy holds up a small fish that he has caught, accompanied by a maid who holds his fishing rod and points to his catch. The boy’s mother and two sisters respond with enthusiasm, pointing to the fish and clasping their hands in delight. As in ‘His First Suit’, Morgan uses his own family members as his models, with his wife modelling for the mother and his son modelling for the boy. The scene takes place around a tree stump which has been converted into a makeshift tea table, set with a cake and teapot.
Surrounding the family are several animals: a pair of ducks sit in the right middle ground, whilst a tabby cat sneaks up behind the family with its eyes trained on the fish. The composition is set in an idyllic landscape filled with lush foliage, as well as an expansive lake. Extending across the lake is a long pier, to the end of which a fisherman moors his boat, casting a sequence of events for the viewer. The entire composition is rendered in a gestural style reminiscent of Impressionist scenes.
Enclosed in a beautifully carved giltwood frame, the painting is signed ‘Fred Morgan’ in the lower left corner. Attached to the back of the frame is a label which is signed, inscribed, and numbered as follows: ‘The hero of the hour/ Fred Morgan/ 155 Auckland Road/ Upper Norwood S.E./NO 2.’
A prime example of Morgan’s skilled craftsmanship, this tender scene would make a wonderful addition to the appropriate interior.