Details

Title

The Father's Leave-Taking

Artist/Maker

William Holman Hunt (British, 1827–1910)

Date

1879

Medium

Etching and drypoint on medium-weight tan laid paper

Dimensions

7 1/16 x 9 5/8 inches

Credit

Gift of James A. Bergquist, Boston

Accession #

2004.59

On View

Currently not on view

William Holman Hunt was one of the founding members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Although known primarily for their paintings, several of the Pre-Raphaelites also were accomplished printmakers. In this depiction of a mother with her young child, Hunt drew a portrait of his second wife and their daughter. The charming family scene vividly reflects Victorian values. Stylistically, the rhythmic, swirling lines are quintessential Hunt, who reveled in dynamic stylization and highly decorative effects. This impression of The Father’s Leave-Taking is a trial proof from what would remain Hunt’s largest, last, and arguably finest plate.