Frank Holl, R.A., A.R.W.S.

Margaret Sadie Goodbrand of British Columbia and thence by descent to the present owner.

The canvas has been lined otherwise the work appears in good overall condition. Ultraviolet light reveals an opaque varnish which makes the surface difficult to read conclusively but there are no obvious signs of retouching. Held in a gilt plaster frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

'August, therefore, saw them once more at home, and my father hard at work on the picture. It was finished in October, and he took for his title the words of Job: "The Lord Gave and the Lord hath taken Away, blessed be the name of the Lord." My mother sat for one of the persons in the picture, a seated figure of a woman in black, her head drooping forward, the arm hanging listlessly by her side. My uncle also sat for one of the figures. My mother has told me what an anxious time this was, my father being worried and nervous, and working feverishly at it every moment of the day. A difficulty arose as to the providing of a long-trained black dress which must be the garb of the woman in the picture, and it was only by dint of the utmost economy that my mother was able to get together enough spare cash to buy the dress, which she made herself. Great was the relief when the last touch was put to the picture. My father painted it con furore, and as the final stroke was added, put it face to the wall, and,turning to my mother said, "Let's get out and have some fresh air, I'm stifling!" As they went along towards Regent's Park in the late October sunshine, they passed a coster barrow with some fine walnuts displayed - the first of the season. "Let's have some walnuts," said my father; "the picture's finished, so let's give ourselves a treat!" (A.M. Reynolds, The Life and Work of Frank Holl, 1912, p.46)

The present picture is a sketch for the painting exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1868 (Guildhall Art Gallery, London) for which Holl won the coveted Travelling Scholarship. Queen Victoria greatly admired the picture and wanted to purchase it but it had already sold to Fred Pawle, a friend of Holl's wife's parents. Although the title was taken from Job, i, 21 the subject was based upon Mrs Dinah Craik's novel of 1851, 'The Head of the Family': 'They gathered round the table - Lindsay sitting where she had presided for some years as mistress of her father's household. Opposite to her was that father's empty chair. Each glanced that way, and then all eyes were lowered. None looked up, and all kept silence as Ninian came in and took the vacant place.'