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The Convalescent

Artist (Southampton, England, 1829 - 1896)
Associated (London, England, born 1862)
Date1875
Mediumoil on canvas
ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings
DimensionsOverall: Height: 76.8 cm, Width: 64 cm
Frame: Height: 105.6 cm, Width: 93.1 cm
Weight: 16 kg
AcquisitionAlexander Macdonald Bequest, 1901.
CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0
LocationOn Display - Gallery 18
Object numberABDAG004393
About MeMillais was one of the original Pre-Raphaelites. However, he forsook the austerity and intensity of his early works and enjoyed a long career as a highly popular subject painter.

This picture was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1876. At this date, its subject would be regarded with greater poignancy than today. With no antibiotics to stave off complications, a childish attack of 'flu might prove grave. Convalescence was achieved by many hours spent in loving nursing care and overnight vigil. Here, the little girl's condition appears to be improving and the flowers in her listless hand may be seen to symbolise her recovery, but also to suggest the transience and fragility of all forms of life.

ADOPT AN ARTWORK. This artwork is available for Adoption. To find out more please email AAGMSupport-Us@aberdeencity.gov.uk
More About Me
There is a great sense of both hope and anguish in this superb painting by Millais. In pre-antibiotic days, we can see the longing and maybe fear on the girl’s face.
Exhibitions
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1898
Portrait of a Boy
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Portrait of the Artist and his Wife
John Macdonald Aiken
1910
Portrait of a Young Woman
Sir John Lavery
1888
Mrs Gevine by Sir Henry Raeburn
Sir Henry Raeburn
The Hon. Lady Jane Ogilvie by Sir Henry Raeburn
Sir Henry Raeburn
1800-1823
Vienna at Night
Cecile Walton
1923
Mrs Nicol of Roscobie by Robert Brough
Robert Brough
1897
Self Portrait
Meta Meston
Breton Girl Herding Cattle by Robert Brough
Robert Brough
c. 1896
Australian Girl
Martin Stevenson
1988
Portrait of a Woman
James McBey
1926
Local Defence Volunteer
Edward Baird
1939
Self Portrait
Joseph Farquharson
1882
Self Portrait
Cosmo Alexander
Self Portrait
Douglas Strachan
Self Portrait by John Brett
John Brett
1883
Self Portrait
William Strang
c. 1882
Portrait of an Unknown Officer
Jacob Fransz van der Merck