Born in 1854 he is one of the best animal artists of the 19th century in Britain where he was born and lived. He painted many famous and rich peoples pets often with their children too. He was commissioned by Queen Victoria to do painting and did one of her on a horse with John Brown at it's head.
Charles Barber always captures the bond between people and their pets. Perhaps a reason why he was in high favor with the rich and famous.
My favorite Barbers are those of the big dogs, collies and St. Bernards. In the painting below the collie seems to be coming to the comfort of his mistress who seems to have just had a tantrum, probably a spoiled little thing and obviously in a rich family. But the dog cares not for that, he loves his mistress and all he know is she has been made sad. He sends a reproachful look back at the unseen offender.
'Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.' - Geroge Elliot
'The greatest pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself, too' -Samuel Butler
'Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.' - Geroge Elliot
'The greatest pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself, too' -Samuel Butler
Here is a lovely one. A young girl reading while her dog reposes in her arms while keeping a steady eye on the onlooker, protective of his mistress. The painting dose have an unfinished feeling about it. The cup and saucer in the bottom corner seem to be floating on air!
This is cute. The little girl is saying grace over breakfast while the dog and cat look on about to dive into the meal themselves.
He dose not do many horses, I guess because horses were less pets and more work animals in those days. Here however this little animal is purely for pleasure and cuddles! The pony is showing the white of his eye looking back at that massive dog alongside, perhaps he will bolt or give a kick for he looks like a mischievous animal!
I leave you with one of my very favorites:
Wow, what an amazing painter! I've seen some of those paintings before, but I never knew who made them though. I really like paintings #4, #5, #6, and #8. :)
ReplyDeleteHe is isn't he! I have a new mission to find out who painted those paintings we see everywhere but are more well known than the artists. :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting:) Thanks for sharing, His work is great!
ReplyDeleteCame across this when searching for painting 4 was always some what of a pin point in my grand mothers house. We never knew who the artist was and this blog is a great little insite of finding out about the artist thankyou x
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