When did you last see your father?

[Foxglove]

Please could you tell me the background to this painting. Why is the child being asked this question?

[Drusilla]

It's a 19th Century painting by WF Yeames (1835-1918) and shows a scene from the English Civil War of the 1640's. The little boy is the son of a Royalist supporter of King Charles 1. The soldiers and inquisitors are from the Parliamentary forces as indicated by their yellow sashes and type of military uniform. The crying girl is the boy's sister and it's believed the two women represent the boy's mother and sister, or maid. Many Royalist soldiers left England when they were defeated and their family's were often deprived of their land and wealth by the Parliamentary forces.

[jno]

just answered this question in History & Myths - please don't double post, I've unknowingly duplicated Drusilla's answer.

[zofluff]

Hi

I dont know if it is exact but a listing just ended on ebay for a crying boy portrait and it sounds the same as the one your talking about here is the link you may be able to contact the seller

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1 &item=4437768049&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT

I was actually thinking of buying them as my mom had these when i was younger and it always appeared the boy watched you wherever you were in the room, i was always more drawn to the boy one than the girl one.

Also here is a link for a chat room conversation about the myth of the fires ect, it also includes a response saying the sun newspaper editor at the time was reported to have been desperate for a story and made it all up?

http://board.dogbomb.co.uk/archive/index.php/t-21079.html

Hope this helps

Zoe