In “The Doctor” by Sir Samuel Luke Fildes, parental anguish and a physician’s solemn devotion to his patient are starkly conveyed. Commissioned to paint a socially relevant scene, Fildes (1844 – 1927) drew inspiration from the devastating death of his son, and the nobility of the doctor who tended to him. For believability, Fildes built a cottage interior in his studio and worked at sunrise to capture exact lighting. One of the most famous medical paintings in the Western world, this piece by Fildes represents the ideal family physician.
Benevolent painter Sir Samuel Luke Fildes (1844 – 1927) created works intended to inspire social reform. Fildes was born in England and raised by his grandmother, who sparked his compassion for the poor. He was influenced by Social Realist works, and illustrated magazines with images of poverty and injustice intended to influence social awareness. The impressed Charles Dickens asked Fildes to illustrate “The Mystery of Edwin Drood.” Later specializing in portraiture, Fildes became the highest paid artist in England. He was knighted in 1906 by King Edward VII, whose portrait he had painted. Fildes' masterpiece, “The Doctor,” is one of only 57 artworks continuously displayed in England’s Tate Museum.
This art print displays sharp, vivid images with a high degree of color accuracy. A member of the versatile family of art prints, this high-quality reproduction represents the best of both worlds: quality and affordability. Art prints are created on paper similar to that of a postcard or greeting card using an offset lithography press.