Frederick Morgan (1847-1927)

This is an early work by Morgan, painted around the time of his marriage to Alice Havers (1885-90). The pentimenti visible under ultra-violet light reveals that Morgan changed the date, presumably from 1872 to 1873, in order to suggest its comparative freshness for exhibition in London.

Fred's father John Morgan (1823-85; see lot 81) exhibited a similar picture at the Liverpool Academy in 1860 entitled Beautifying (no. 58), also featuring a blond-haired boy.

We are grateful to Terry Parker for his help in preparing this catalogue entry.