E. S. Greig of Bristol Oil Painting - Feeding the Rabbits, 1868

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This beautifully rendered oil on board is a classic example of late Victorian genre painting, attributed to E. S. Greig … Read more This beautifully rendered oil on board is a classic example of late Victorian genre painting, attributed to E. S. Greig of Bristol. Titled Feeding The Rabbits, the artwork captures an intimate domestic moment set in a rustic cottage interior. It is matted and presented in an ornate, gilded wooden frame with intricate carving, adding to its period charm.

The scene depicts a woman and two children in a cozy, lived-in kitchen or scullery. Dressed in a brown skirt and white apron, the woman cradles a toddler while an older child stands at her side. Their attention is tenderly focused on the foreground, where two rabbits—one black and white, the other a soft mottled gray—feed on scattered greens. The background is rich with narrative detail: a large hearth anchors the left side of the composition, while a wooden table with a loaf of bread, decorative plates on a shelf, and earthenware bowls filled with root vegetables complete the warm, homely setting.

The artist’s style is firmly rooted in the Victorian tradition—highly detailed and realistic, with a clear emphasis on sentiment and storytelling. Subtle use of light and shadow lends the composition depth and atmosphere, while lively, expressive brushwork adds texture to the various surfaces and fabrics.

E. S. Greig, believed to be Edith S. Greig, was an accomplished artist from Bristol, England. The label affixed to the back of the frame provides valuable provenance, noting that the painting was exhibited at the Royal Academy in London in 1888 and possibly at the British Institution—two of the most prestigious venues for artists of the time. This exhibition history underscores the quality and recognition of Greig’s work during the height of the Victorian era.

In all, Feeding The Rabbits is a poignant and skillfully executed window into domestic life, offering both aesthetic beauty and historical depth. It stands as a testament to the refinement and emotional resonance of Victorian genre painting. See less