Thomas Faed, “Baith Faither and Mither” Aesthetic Movement Frame, Circa 1875

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Monumental Victorian Exhibition Engraving in Custom Aesthetic Movement Frame, 1875
Thomas Faed (after), William Henry Simmons—"Baith Faither and Mither (Both … Read more Monumental Victorian Exhibition Engraving in Custom Aesthetic Movement Frame, 1875
Thomas Faed (after), William Henry Simmons—"Baith Faither and Mither (Both Father and Mother)"

This exceptional and monumental Victorian engraving represents one of the most celebrated narrative images of the nineteenth century, engraved in 1875 by William Henry Simmons after the original painting by Royal Academician Thomas Faed. Titled Baith Faither and Mither (“Both Father and Mother”), the composition depicts a tender domestic scene in a rural Scottish cottage, centered on a father removing a splinter from his daughter’s hand while the remaining children observe, accompanied by a seated boy with a puppy at his feet. The image exemplifies the moral sentiment, technical refinement, and narrative intimacy that made Faed one of the most admired genre painters of his generation.

This engraving is a signed proof impression printed on chine collé, representing an exhibition-quality example of Victorian reproductive engraving at its highest level. The print was first exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts, London, in 1875 (no. 1096), following the public success of Faed’s original painting. The impression bears full publication lines for Pilgeram & Lefèvre in London and M. Knoedler & Co. in New York, together with the Printseller’s Association blindstamp, confirming its status as a premium proof issued for exhibition and collectors rather than commercial circulation.

Equally significant is the presentation. The engraving is housed in a monumental, custom-made Aesthetic Movement oak exhibition frame, richly figured and hand-carved with inset gilt floral sprays and a carved title rail engraved “Both Father & Mother.” The scale, engraved identification, and decorative program correspond to the type of framing employed for gallery and salon display in the late nineteenth century, strongly suggesting original or early exhibition or showroom presentation rather than later domestic framing.
The frame measures approximately 48" x 40", with a sight size of 23" x 21", creating a commanding wall presence appropriate to its original exhibition function. The engraving remains intact with only faint age-related toning and streaking consistent with nineteenth-century paper, while the frame retains a warm original patina and crisp carved detail.

A rare survival combining documented exhibition history, signed proof quality, and an exceptional original Aesthetic Movement presentation, this work represents a museum-level example of Victorian narrative engraving and period framing, suitable for collectors of British art, nineteenth-century prints, and important decorative arts.

The engraving presents well, with light age-related toning and faint brown streaking consistent with age. No tears or losses observed. The original oak frame shows minor surface wear and patina consistent with age, with the carving, engraved title, and gilded highlights well preserved. See less