The Cradle Song

The present picture is one of only six known interior paintings by Grimshaw, all of which betray the influence of Tissot on the artist. Four of them, Dulce Domum, which was sold in these rooms, 12 June 1992 for 159,500, Spring, Summer, and In the Artist's House, sold at Sotheby's New York, 7 May 1998, for $310,000, were painted at Knostrop Old Hall, the house just outside Leeds to where Grimshaw had moved in 1870, and where he was to remain until his death in 1873. a further interior A Chorale was painted at Grimshaw's 'Castle-by-the -sea' in Scarborough, where he rented a house for the sake of his children's health.

Knostrop, its gardens and surrounding countryside, were to supply Grimshaw with constant inspiration, and he was to devote much time and energy to beautifying the house. In addition to installing tiles, sculpture reliefs, stained-glass windows, and he also built a studio, and it is possible that this room is depicted here. The interior with its blue and white china vases, Japanese fans, and Persian carpet is typical of the aesthetic taste of the 1870s, and demonstrates Grimshaw's connoisseurship as a collector. The sitter is thought to be Agnes Leefe, the artist's model and studio assistant who lived with the family.

We are grateful to Alexander Robertson of Leeds City Art Gallery, for his help in preparing this catalogue entry.