When did you last see your father?

[Foxglove]

What is the historical background to the painting of this name?

[jno]

painted in 1878 but it's set during the civil wars of the 1640s. Roundheads have invaded the house, looking for the head of the family, who's a cavalier (you can tell from the hairstyles and clothes; roundheads had, well, round heads and short hair, and duller colours). They're interrogating the little boy, who in his innocence and honesty may be about to betray the whereabouts of his father; his older sister realises the danger and is hiding her face. Full title is 'And when did you last see your father?' - the 'and' suggests it's just one of a line of questions, slipped in in an attempt to trap the boy.

It's in the Walker gallery in Liverpool.