inscribed on an old label attached to the stretcher: 19/ Royal Academy 1861/ The Census April 8th 1861/ 'The Cook - 'I never did tell nobody, and shan't tell nobody.';
oil on canvas
39 by 56 in.
Hammer Price with Buyer's Premium: 36,000 GBP
http://www.sothebys.com/app/live/lot/LotDetail.jsp?sale_number=L07131&live_lot_id=38
London, Royal Academy, 1862, no. 79
In 1861 Charles Landseer exhibited another painting at the Royal Academy with a similar subject to the present picture, entitled Births, Deaths and Marriages. The present picture, exhibited in the following year depicts the well-appointed home of a local registrar, who is compiling the census report of 1861. Around him are gathered various people waiting their turn to give their details but at this moment he is involved with trying to persuade a young cook, her sleeves rolled up from domestic work, to answer his questions. She is unwilling to offer the information and seems indignant at the question that has been asked of her, perhaps not wishing for her age to be known. Behind the cook, awaits a widow dressed in mourning colours supported perhaps by her brother. She is upset that she will have to give her status as a widow and appears frail as she enters the room. The children and a playful dog are unconcerned by the importance of the event and merely await the time when playtime can resume.
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